Fondue Accessories: What You Need For A Tasty Dip

Fondue is a fun and simple dish to make for a dinner party. The most well-known type of fondue is cheese fondue, but meat and chocolate fondue are also traditional options. To make fondue, you will need a fondue pot, a burner, and forks for dipping. You can choose from a variety of fondue pots, including ceramic, cast iron, or electric options. The pot you choose will determine the type of burner you need; some pots use tea lights or burners, while others are electric and plug into an outlet. In addition to the necessary equipment, you will also need ingredients such as cheese, meat, or chocolate, as well as items to dip into the fondue such as bread, vegetables, or fruit.

Fondue pots

When choosing a fondue pot, consider the size of your gatherings. If you frequently host large groups, opt for a pot with a larger capacity, such as the Boska "Mr. Big," which can hold up to 1.5 gallons of fondue and comes with 12 dipping forks. For smaller gatherings, a pot with a 1- to 2-liter capacity should suffice.

Additionally, some fondue pots come with stands, burners, and forks, while others require separate purchases of these accessories. If you opt for a cast-iron pot, you will likely need to buy fondue forks separately. It is also important to consider the heat source; electric fondue pots offer precise temperature control, while candle or burner-heated pots may require more attention to maintain the desired temperature.

In conclusion, fondue pots are a necessary investment for anyone looking to host fondue parties. They come in various styles, sizes, and heating methods, so you can find one that suits your needs and preferences. By considering factors such as capacity, heat source, and included accessories, you can choose the perfect fondue pot for your next gathering.

Fondue forks

When purchasing fondue forks, it is important to consider the type of fondue you will be making. For example, cheese and chocolate fondue forks typically have two tines, while meat fondue forks usually have three tines to better hold the food in place. It is also important to ensure that the handles are heat-resistant to protect your hands from the hot fondue pot.

Burners

For meat fondue, which requires high temperatures to heat hot oil or broth, an alcohol burner or an electric pot is ideal. The Swiss traditionally use an alcohol burner under a thick-bottomed cast iron or stainless steel pot. Alcohol burners are the hottest tabletop heat source and are perfect for cooking meats. The height and intensity of the flame can be adjusted by controlling the airflow into its chamber. When using an alcohol burner, it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation and maintain a safe distance from flammable materials.

Fondue fuel gel is another option for meat fondue. It helps control the burning rate, eliminating the need for a separate insert to manage the flame. However, it is important to note that gel fuel produces less heat than liquid fuel, so adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired temperature.

For chocolate, caramel, and dessert fondues, unscented tea light candles are typically used. These fondues only require a small amount of heat to keep the dipping sauce warm, making tea light candles a suitable choice.

When using a fondue burner, safety precautions are essential. Always use a matchstick to light the burner, as lighters may cause a flame explosion. Ensure the burner is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface and keep flammable materials away from the burner. Additionally, never leave an empty fondue pot while the burner is on, and always allow the burner to cool completely before refilling or moving it.

By choosing the appropriate burner and fuel type for your specific fondue and following safety guidelines, you can create a fun and enjoyable fondue experience.

Dipping foods

When it comes to fondue, the dipping options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Breads and Crackers

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. Go for a crusty, slightly dry, day-old loaf to ensure it holds up in the cheese. French bread, baguettes, breadsticks, croutons, multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, and even bagels are all excellent choices. Cut your bread of choice into large cubes, lightly toast them, and skewer away! For an extra special touch, try a unique type of bread such as a rustic cranberry walnut loaf. Crackers and pretzels are also great options for dipping, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are perfect for adding a touch of freshness to your fondue. Apples, especially tart varieties like Granny Smith, pair wonderfully with cheese fondue. Pears, pineapple, and grapes are also great choices. For vegetables, try asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, green beans, pearl onions, radishes, or a variety of baby potatoes. Lightly steaming or roasting the vegetables beforehand can enhance their flavour and texture.

Meats and Proteins

Adding a protein element to your fondue spread can turn it into a complete meal. Grilled steak, poached chicken, cooked ham, cured meats such as beef jerky, kielbasa, pepperoni, salami, and sausage are all tasty options. For a more elegant touch, try lightly steamed seafood such as shrimp, crab, or lobster. And don't forget the classic pairing of crispy bacon with melted cheese!

Other Savoury Options

In addition to the suggestions above, there are plenty of other savoury dipping options to explore. Pickles, such as cornichons and gherkins, add a tangy contrast to the cheese. Mushrooms, especially varieties like crimini, shiitake, oyster, or portobellos, are also a delicious choice. For something a little different, try dipping meatballs, roasted Brussels sprouts, or large pasta shapes such as shells or fusilli.

Fondue recipes

Fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and 1970s. It is a social and fun way to eat, and a great way to celebrate with friends.

Cheese Fondue Recipes

Ingredients

The best cheeses for fondue are those that are creamy and buttery and melt smoothly. Good choices include:

• Gruyère
• Swiss cheese
• Gouda
• Fontina
• Emmental
• Comté
• Raclette
• Vacherin

For a classic Swiss fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best. In Fribourg, locals use a combination of Gruyère and Vacherin, known as moitie-moitie (half-and-half).

Other ingredients include:

• Dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay)
• Cornstarch or flour
• Bread (French, sourdough, baguette, or pumpernickel)
• Meat (cured meats such as prosciutto, sausage, or steak)
• Fruit and vegetables (apples, carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, or baby potatoes)

Method

• Grate the cheese.
• Combine the cheese with cornstarch or flour, tossing to coat all pieces.
• Bring wine, garlic, and lemon juice to a simmer.
• Add the cheese to the liquid a little at a time, stirring well to create a smooth fondue.
• Add in mustard, nutmeg, and brandy (optional).
• Serve with an assortment of bite-sized dipping foods.

Accessories for Making Fondue

The most important accessory for making fondue is the pot. In Switzerland, an earthenware caquelon made from porcelain or clay is traditionally used. Fondue pots can be made from ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel, and come in various sizes. They often come with a stand and burner, and sometimes with forks.

Other accessories include:

• Fondue forks
• Platters or boards for serving dippers
• Burner fuel (such as denatured alcohol or burning gel)
• Cheese grater

Frequently asked questions