Delicious Foods That Are Perfect For Fondue Dipping

Fondue is a Swiss dish that typically consists of melted cheese and wine, served in a communal pot. The word 'fondue' is the feminine passive past participle of the French verb 'fondre', meaning 'to melt'. People dip all kinds of food into the cheese, from bread and vegetables to meat and seafood. But what are the best foods to dip into fondue?

Bread

If you're feeling ambitious, you can try baking your own bread for dipping. A simple, no-knead peasant bread recipe can be found online, or you can follow a more complex recipe for a homemade fondue bread, or Fonduebrot, which is sure to impress your guests.

When preparing store-bought bread for dipping, it's best to cut the bread into 1-inch cubes so that it can be easily skewered. This also helps to ensure that the bread doesn't fall apart when dipped into the fondue.

In addition to crusty bread, other types of bread can also be used for dipping, depending on your preference. Some people prefer softer breads, such as brioche or milk bread, while others opt for white bread. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as brown or white flour, to create a unique flavour and texture for your fondue bread.

So, whether you choose to bake your own bread or go for a store-bought option, bread is an excellent choice for dipping into fondue, especially when paired with a delicious, melted cheese mixture.

Meat

Fondue is a Swiss dish that traditionally consists of melted cheese and wine, served in a communal pot. However, the term "fondue" has been generalised to refer to other dishes where food is dipped into a communal pot of liquid, such as hot oil or broth. This is known as fondue bourguignonne, where pieces of meat are cooked in the hot liquid.

The cooking process for meat fondue is simple and quick. The fondue pot is filled with vegetable oil or broth and heated to the desired temperature, usually around 190°C. Each guest is given a fondue fork to skewer their meat and dunk it into the hot oil or broth. The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness of the meat, with rare taking around 25-30 seconds, medium 30-35 seconds, and well-done 45-60 seconds.

Fruit

There are many fruits that work well for fondue, including:

• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Pineapple
• Mango
• Banana
• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Dragon fruit
• Papaya
• Coconut chunks
• Apples
• Cherries
• Cantaloupe
• Honeydew melon

You can also use dried fruit, such as dried apricots, figs, dates, papaya, pineapple, and apples.

For a fun twist, try freezing the fruit before dipping it in chocolate. Bananas, in particular, freeze up with a texture that feels just like ice cream!

Chocolate fondue is a great way to get kids excited about eating fruit. Let them assemble their own skewers and get creative in the kitchen. Just be sure to snip off the sharp points from the skewers for safety.

In addition to chocolate fondue, fruit can also be dipped in cheese fondue. Crisp and tart Granny Smith apples complement the creaminess of the cheese nicely, while Bosc pears' nutmeg and cinnamon undertones bring out the spices found in many fondues.

So, whether you're dipping fruit in chocolate or cheese fondue, it's a delicious and enjoyable way to incorporate more fruit into your diet.

Vegetables

If you are looking for a quicker option that requires no cooking, you could serve raw celery, fennel spears, carrots, or cherry tomatoes. Pickled vegetables, such as pearl onions, pickles, and sweet gherkins, are also a welcome dipper, but be sure to pat them dry first. If the vegetable is an odd shape or small, it is recommended to offer toothpicks or skewers to simplify the dipping process.

Crackers or Chips

When it comes to crackers, wheat crackers or tortilla chips are a good choice. These options provide a similar texture to bread and can hold up well against thick, warm cheese. They also pair well with the cheese, especially in the case of pretzels, which are a natural pairing with cheese.

If you're looking for something a little heartier, potato chips can also be dipped into fondue. Just be careful, as they can be more delicate and may fall apart in the cheese. Using tongs to dip them can help prevent breakage.

In addition to crackers and chips, there are a variety of other dippers you can choose from to accompany your fondue. Raw or lightly steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers, are excellent options. Fruits like apples, pears, and grapes can also pair well with cheese fondue, adding a touch of sweetness to the savoury dish.

Meat lovers can also enjoy dipping cooked meats like grilled steak, poached chicken, or cured meats like salami and chorizo into the fondue. And for a truly indulgent experience, don't forget that fondue can also be paired with crispy, crunchy breads like French bread or baguettes.

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