Fondue Dinner Essentials: Equipment And Ingredients For A Fun Evening

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience that's perfect for special occasions or weeknight treats. While it may sound fancy, fondue is actually quite simple to prepare and can be made in just a few easy steps. Here's everything you need to know about hosting your own fondue dinner:

Equipment

First, you'll need to get your hands on some equipment. The most important item is a fondue pot, which can be either electric or heated using candles, sterno, or a gel fuel source. You'll also need fondue forks or skewers for each guest, with at least two forks per person if you're serving multiple courses. Extension cords are also a good idea if you're using an electric pot.

Food and Drink

The food and drink are, of course, the most important part of any fondue dinner. Traditional fondue consists of melted cheese served with bread, apples, and other dipping items. However, you can also get creative and experiment with different types of fondue, such as chocolate or hot oil. Here are some ideas for food and drink to include in your fondue dinner:

- Cheese fondue: Use good-quality cheeses such as fontina, Gruyère, and gouda, grated and combined with cornstarch and white wine.

- Dippers for cheese fondue: Crusty bread, apples, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, roasted potatoes, meatballs, filet mignon, pickles, shrimp, cured meats, and poached chicken.

- Broth fondue: Chicken broth with spinach and herb mix, used for cooking raw shrimp, chicken, beef, salmon, potatoes, and vegetables.

- Hot oil fondue: Vegetable oil heated in a fondue pot, used for cooking bite-sized pieces of steak, shrimp, scallops, broccoli, potatoes, mushrooms, and more.

- Chocolate fondue: Milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips melted with heavy cream and peanut butter, served with strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, pound cake, and cheesecake.

- Drinks: Sparkly drinks like Shirley Temples are always a fun choice, especially for the kids. For the adults, try something special like a holiday mule, apple cider mimosa, or a copycat Carnival Miami Vice cocktail.

Tips for a Successful Fondue Dinner

- Keep raw and cooked foods on separate plates, and use separate utensils for cooking and eating.

- Experiment with different sauces to dip your cooked foods in, such as barbecue, teriyaki, steak sauce, cocktail sauce, or ranch.

- Keep the temperature of your fondue pot just right—too hot and you'll burn your food, too cool and you'll be waiting forever.

- Don't overdo it on the variety of foods—stick to a few meats, sides, and dippers to keep things simple and avoid overwhelming your guests.

- Be cautious with hot oil and keep your fondue pot stable and out of reach of children to prevent accidents.

Fondue equipment: a fondue pot, extension cords, and fondue plates

Fondue Equipment

Fondue Pot

The first thing you'll need for your fondue dinner is a fondue pot. There are a few different types of fondue pots to choose from:

• Electric fondue pot: These pots are convenient because they don't require a separate heat source, but you will need to plug them into an outlet and they can be tricky to wash.
• Ceramic or cast iron fondue pot: These pots look classy and are easy to clean, but you will need to purchase a separate heat source like sterno.
• Traditional fondue pot: These pots use a fire gel or similar heat source and are typically made of materials like cast iron or stainless steel.

Extension Cords

If you opt for an electric fondue pot, you will need extension cords to run the pot to an outlet. It's important to secure the cords to the pot so that no one accidentally trips and knocks over the hot pot.

Fondue Plates

Each guest at your fondue dinner will need a plate to put their cooked food on. You can find vintage fondue plates on eBay or other second-hand websites. It's also important to provide each guest with a regular fork in addition to their fondue fork, so they can eat their food without having to use the same fork that was in the pot.

Fondue forks: each guest should receive a fondue fork and a regular fork

Fondue forks are an essential part of the fondue dining experience. Each guest should receive a fondue fork and a regular fork to ensure a smooth and enjoyable meal. Here are some tips and guidelines for using and providing fondue forks:

Number of Fondue Forks:

It is important to have enough fondue forks for all your guests. A good rule of thumb is to provide two fondue forks per guest, especially if you are offering multiple courses such as cheese fondue, broth fondue, and chocolate fondue. This allows guests to cook and dip different items simultaneously without having to wait for forks to be washed. If you have a large family or group, consider getting two fondue sets to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Colour Coordination:

Using colour-coded fondue forks can add a fun element to the dining experience and help guests keep track of their utensils. Look for fondue sets that offer a variety of colours, or purchase supplemental fondue forks in different colours. Assign each guest a specific colour to prevent any mix-ups.

Proper Usage:

It is important to educate your guests on the proper usage of fondue forks to maintain hygiene and avoid contamination. Fondue forks should only be used for cooking and dipping food in the fondue pot. Once the food is cooked, guests should use their regular forks to eat from their plates. This ensures that no one eats directly from the fondue fork, reducing the risk of germs and contaminants.

Placement:

Place the fondue pot in the centre of the table to allow all guests equal access. Arrange the fondue forks and regular forks at each place setting, along with small appetizer plates. If serving a side salad or heartier dishes, consider using dinner plates instead. Ensure that the fondue forks are within easy reach of the hot pot to avoid any accidents or spills.

Safety:

Always exercise caution when using fondue forks, especially around hot oil or broth. Keep the fondue pot stable and out of the reach of children to prevent accidents. Secure the cords of electric fondue pots to avoid tripping hazards.

Fondue etiquette: remind guests to use the long fondue fork to dip and then place on a small plate before eating with a regular fork

Hosting a fondue dinner party is a fun and interactive dining experience. To ensure your guests have a pleasant and safe experience, it's important to establish some ground rules and remind your guests about fondue etiquette. Here are some detailed instructions to guide your guests on how to use the fondue utensils properly:

• Remind your guests that each person should have their own set of utensils, which includes a long fondue fork and a regular appetizer fork, along with a small appetizer plate. It is important to avoid double-dipping and cross-contamination.
• Instruct your guests to use the long fondue fork to dip their chosen food items into the fondue pot. They should then place the dipped food on their small appetizer plate before consuming it. This ensures that the food is given some time to cool down and also prevents the transfer of germs and contaminants.
• Once the food is on the appetizer plate, guests should use their regular appetizer fork to eat the food. This ensures that they don't eat directly from the long fondue fork, maintaining hygienic practices.
• If you are serving a side salad or additional dishes with the fondue, it is recommended to use dinner plates for your guests.
• For raw meat options, it is important to follow safe food handling practices. Raw meats should be transferred directly from their original bowl to the fondue pot. Do not place raw meat on dinner plates or any other surfaces to avoid cross-contamination.
• If you are serving cooked meats or vegetables, it is essential to use separate utensils for cooking and eating. Use the fondue fork only for cooking, and then transfer the food to a separate plate and eat with regular utensils.
• To enhance the experience, you can provide a variety of sauces and dips to complement the fondue. Feel free to experiment with different sauce combinations to add excitement to your fondue night.
• For a more interactive and enjoyable experience, involve your guests in the preparation process. They can help with planning the menu, creating the shopping list, tearing the bread, cutting vegetables or fruit, deciding on drinks, organizing the forks, and designing the layout of dipping sauces.
• Finally, ensure that your fondue pot is stable and secure, especially if you are using a corded model. Keep it out of the reach of children to prevent any accidents.

Fondue dippers: bread, apples, cured meats, shrimp, sausage, steak, and vegetables

When it comes to fondue dippers, you have a wide variety of options to choose from, including bread, apples, cured meats, shrimp, sausage, steak, and vegetables. Here are some ideas to elevate your next fondue dinner:

Bread

Bread is a classic and popular choice for fondue dipping. To ensure the bread holds up to the cheese, it's best to lightly toast it beforehand, especially if using a type of bread that may fall apart easily. French bread, sourdough, rye, pumpernickel, bagels, and pretzels are all excellent options. For something unique, try a rustic cranberry walnut loaf or sweet bread with nuts and dried fruits.

Apples

Apples provide a refreshing sweetness to balance the richness of the cheese. Granny Smith apples, or other tart varieties, are a popular choice, cut into cubes for easy dipping.

Cured Meats

Cured meats like beef jerky, salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto add a savoury and salty element to the fondue. They pair exceptionally well with cheese and offer a nice contrast in texture.

Shrimp

For a touch of elegance, shrimp is a perfect choice. Lightly steamed or boiled shrimp can be dipped in cheese fondue or cooked in hot oil for a unique twist.

Sausage

Thinly sliced sausage adds heartiness to your fondue dinner. Italian sausage, bratwurst, or miniature smoked sausages are all tasty options.

Steak

For a decadent and satisfying dip, thinly sliced steak is a great option. Filet mignon bites or marinated steak cubes will surely impress your guests.

Vegetables

Vegetables provide a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the cheese. Broccoli, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, asparagus, and cauliflower are all excellent choices. You can serve them raw, steamed, or roasted.

Fondue recipes: cheese fondue, broth fondue, and chocolate fondue

A fondue dinner is a fun and interactive meal to serve at your next gathering. Here are three fondue recipes to get you started: cheese fondue, broth fondue, and chocolate fondue.

Cheese Fondue

Cheese fondue is a classic and indulgent dish that is surprisingly easy to make. The key to a great cheese fondue is using good-quality cheese—the best options are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. You'll also need some dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to help keep the fondue smooth. Here's what you'll need to do:

• Grate all of your chosen cheeses and toss them with cornstarch to prevent clumping.
• In a fondue pot or large saucepan, combine the wine with minced garlic and lemon juice, and bring to a simmer.
• Slowly add the cheese to the pot, stirring constantly, until you have a smooth fondue.
• Add a splash of brandy, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg to taste.
• Serve with an assortment of dippers, such as bread cubes, apples, steamed vegetables, or cured meats.

Broth Fondue

Broth fondue is a savoury and versatile option that can be enjoyed with a variety of ingredients. It's a simple dish to prepare and is perfect for those who want a lighter fondue option. Here's a recipe for a delicious coq au vin broth fondue:

• In a fondue pot or saucepan, heat up vegetable stock, sliced mushrooms, green onions, and minced garlic. Simmer until the broth is aromatic.
• While the broth is simmering, prepare your dippers by cutting vegetables, meats, and other ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
• Skewer the dippers and place them in the fondue pot. Cook until they are cooked to your liking.
• Enjoy your cooked dippers with your favourite dipping sauces.

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a decadent and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The key to a great chocolate fondue is using good-quality chocolate, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard. You'll also need some milk and/or cream to adjust the consistency. Here's how to make it:

• Chop your chosen chocolate into small pieces or use good-quality chocolate chips.
• In a fondue pot or saucepan, combine the chocolate with milk and/or cream.
• Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Do not let it boil.
• Stir in a dash of vanilla extract to taste.
• Serve with an assortment of dippers, such as strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, or cookies.

Frequently asked questions