Fondue Dippers: What To Dunk In Your Pot

Fondue is a Swiss dish consisting of melted cheese and wine, served in a communal pot and eaten by dipping bread, vegetables, or other snacks into the cheese using long-stemmed forks. The word fondue is derived from the French verb fondre, meaning to melt. While the traditional Swiss fondue uses Gruyère cheese, there are numerous variations, including different types of cheese, wine, and additional ingredients such as garlic and cornstarch. The key to a good fondue is using good-quality, creamy cheese that melts smoothly and adding the cheese slowly to the pot while stirring constantly.

Besides the classic cheese fondue, there are also other types of fondue, such as chocolate fondue, where pieces of fruit or pastry are dipped into melted chocolate, and broth or oil fondues, where various ingredients are cooked in hot liquid or oil. The term fondue has been generalized to refer to any dish where food is dipped into a communal pot of liquid kept hot.

Bread

The best bread for dipping into fondue is a crusty bread, such as a baguette, sourdough, or French bread. The crustiness of the bread helps it stand up to the cheese or chocolate, ensuring it doesn't turn to mush.

You can also bake your own bread for dipping into fondue. One recipe for a cheese fondue bread, or Fonduebrot, uses a mix of brown and white flour. The brown flour can be a plain variety, such as spelt flour, or a stronger bread flour. The recipe also includes yeast, sugar, and water. The dough is cut into squares before baking, making it easier to dip into fondue.

Meat

When preparing meat fondue, it is essential to select the appropriate oil or broth for cooking. Oils with high smoke points, such as canola, peanut, or sunflower oil, are recommended to prevent burning. Broth-based fondues, on the other hand, may be made from homemade or store-bought chicken, beef, or vegetable stock and can be enhanced with herbs, spices, or wine.

Fruit

Fondue is a Swiss dish that traditionally consists of melted cheese and wine, with bread, vegetables, or other snacks dipped into the cheese. However, the term "fondue" has been generalized to other dishes where food is dipped into a communal pot of liquid kept hot in a fondue pot. One example is chocolate fondue, where pieces of fruit or pastry are dipped into a melted chocolate mixture.

Vegetables

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Bell peppers
• Asparagus
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Zucchini
• Summer squash

You can dip your vegetables raw, or lightly steam or roast them first. If you are also serving hot oil or broth fondue, you can cook your vegetables in the hot oil or broth and then dip them into the cheese fondue for an extra treat.

Sweets

Fondue is a Swiss dish that traditionally consists of melted cheese and wine, served in a communal pot. The term "fondue" has since been generalised to refer to other dishes where food is dipped into a communal pot of liquid kept hot, such as chocolate fondue and broth fondue.

If you're looking for sweet treats to dip into your chocolate fondue, here are some ideas:

• Fresh fruit: Strawberries, bananas, apples, and pears are all excellent choices.
• Dried fruit: Try apricots, raisins, or mango for a chewy texture.
• Cookies and biscuits: Shortbread, gingerbread, or chocolate chip cookies can add a nice crunch.
• Cake: Cubes of pound cake, sponge cake, or brownies are perfect for dipping.
• Marshmallows: Regular or flavoured marshmallows are a fun and fluffy option.
• Pretzels: Sweet or savoury pretzels can add a salty contrast to the chocolate.
• Nuts: Hazelnuts, almonds, or pistachios provide a crunchy and savoury element.
• Candy: Experiment with different types of candy bars, chocolate-covered nuts, or candy-coated chocolates.
• Ice cream: For an indulgent treat, try dipping ice cream bars or sandwiches into the warm chocolate.
• Sweet breads: Banana bread or zucchini bread can add a unique twist to your fondue experience.
• Sweetened Condiments: Caramel sauce, peanut butter, or Nutella can be drizzled over other dipped items or enjoyed on their own.

Remember to cut your chosen treats into bite-sized pieces to make dipping easier and always ensure you have enough fondue to fully coat each item. Happy dipping!

Frequently asked questions