The Mystery Of Cursed Fondue: A Culinary Conundrum

Fondue is a dish where people dip food into a communal pot of melted cheese or chocolate. It is usually served with a hot plate or candle setup to keep the contents of the pot warm. However, some people have taken to experimenting with their fondue, creating unusual combinations such as salted seaweed and chocolate fondue, or gravy fondue. These unusual combinations have been dubbed cursed fondue.

Salted seaweed and chocolate fondue

Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience where you dip various foods into sauces and dips kept warm in communal pots. The classic fondue is a melted cheese dish, where bread is dipped into the cheese using long-stemmed forks. However, there are many variations on this theme, and people have experimented with different types of cheese, as well as sweet fondues, such as chocolate fondue.

While this particular fondue may not be to everyone's taste, it is a reminder that fondue can be a versatile and creative dish, and that experimentation with different ingredients can lead to unexpected delights.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to try making your own salted seaweed and chocolate fondue, you can follow a basic chocolate fondue recipe and add your own creative twist with the seaweed. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 16 oz (450 g) of dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 1 cup (70 g) of finely chopped seaweed snacks or seaweed sheets
• Optional: additional sea salt to taste

Directions:

• In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, butter, and vanilla extract over medium heat until simmering. Be careful not to let it boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped chocolate. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and combined with the cream, forming a smooth and glossy mixture.
• Remove from the heat and stir in a pinch of salt.
• Finally, mix in the chopped seaweed until well combined. If you're using seaweed sheets, make sure to cut them into thin strips or small pieces.
• Transfer the fondue to a heated fondue pot or a small electric slow cooker to keep it warm and melted.
• Serve with an assortment of dippers such as fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, pineapple), pound cake cubes, pretzels, or even marshmallows.

Remember, this is just a basic recipe, and you can adjust the measurements and ingredients to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate or add extra flavourings like a splash of liquor or a pinch of cinnamon. Get creative and embrace the unique world of cursed fondue!

Pumpkin fondue

Ingredients

• 1 clove of garlic, halved
• 4 oz hard apple cider (beer)
• 16 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• Cornstarch
• Brandy
• Nutmeg
• Various dippers (bread, apples, pears, grapes, salami, grape tomatoes, red bell pepper, etc.)

Instructions

• Rub the inside of a fondue pot or saucepan with the cut side of the garlic clove.
• Pour the wine, cider, and lemon juice into the pot and simmer over medium heat until bubbling.
• Reduce the heat and add a handful of shredded cheese, stirring constantly until melted. Repeat until all the cheese is added and melted.
• Add the pumpkin puree and stir until combined.
• In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and brandy, then add this mixture to the cheese, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes.
• Sprinkle with nutmeg and transfer to a heated table burner.
• Serve with a variety of dippers and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• For a spooky presentation, serve the fondue in small ceramic cauldrons or black cast iron pumpkin cocottes.
• Use skull cocktail picks instead of traditional fondue forks for an extra eerie touch.
• Keep the fondue hot and don't let it sit out too long, as it will start to solidify.

Fondue for two

As the winter winds blow and the world turns icy, it's the perfect time to heat things up with a cozy night of fondue for two. Fondue, a delightful interactive dining experience, is a fun and tasty way to spice up your night and treat your taste buds. It's a simple concept: various foods are dipped into sauces and dips kept warm in hot pots. But it's this very simplicity that makes it so versatile and enjoyable.

The Main Event: Cheese Fondue

The star of the show is, of course, the cheese fondue. A classic fondue typically involves melting shredded cheese with cornstarch, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and a hint of nutmeg. The key to a smooth and creamy fondue is to add the cheese gradually, stirring continuously in a figure-eight pattern to prevent the cheese from clumping. Transfer the melted goodness to a heated fondue pot, and you're ready to dip!

For the dippers, the options are endless. Go traditional with bread cubes, or get creative with apples, pears, grapes, salami, grape tomatoes, or even roasted veggies. The contrast of the warm, gooey cheese with the crisp, fresh dippers is what makes this dish so irresistible.

A Sweet Finish: Chocolate Fondue

For a sweet finish to your savory feast, it's time for chocolate fondue. This dessert course is a heavenly experience, especially for chocolate lovers. Melt some pure dark chocolate and provide an array of dippers, such as fresh fruit, cookie bites, and brownie bites. Indulge in the richness of the chocolate paired with the sweetness of the fruit, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

A Cozy Night In

Remember, if you drop your food off the fork into the fondue, a kiss for your partner might be in order! So, get ready to dip, savor, and enjoy a night of fondue for two.

The Swiss Kiss episode

In this episode, our hosts explore the world of fondue, a delicious and interactive dining experience with a twist of Swiss charm. Fondue is a fun and social way to enjoy food, perfect for a cozy night in or a unique dining outing. But what makes fondue "cursed"? Join us as we uncover the secrets of this tantalizing yet treacherous treat.

The History of Fondue

Fondue is a Swiss dish that originated in the 18th century. Traditionally, it consists of melted cheese served in a communal pot over a heat source. Diners dip long-stemmed forks with bread into the cheese, though modern variations include dipping various foods into different sauces and dips. Fondue gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s as a fun and interactive way to enjoy food, and it has since become a beloved comfort food around the world.

The "Cursed" Element

The "cursed" aspect of fondue lies in its interactive nature and the potential consequences of the dining experience. According to Swiss tradition, if you drop your food into the fondue pot, you must kiss the person to your left. This lighthearted rule adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the meal, making it a "cursed" yet captivating experience.

The Melting Pot

We visited The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant in Downtown Bellevue, WA, to indulge in their unique dining offerings. The Melting Pot offers a four-course fondue experience, including a signature cheese fondue dip with bread cubes and veggies, salad, entrée skewers, and a pure dark chocolate fondue for dessert. They cater to various dietary preferences, offering vegan options for those who are dairy-free.

The "Swiss Kiss" Fondue

To create a "Swiss Kiss" fondue at home, here's a recipe adapted from Marcella The Cheesemonger:

Ingredients:

• ½ pound Emmenthaler, shredded
• ½ pound Fontina, shredded (BelGioioso is recommended)
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 Garlic Clove, cut in half
• 1 Cup of White Wine (Pinot Grigio is a good option)
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1 Tablespoon Kirsch
• A pinch of freshly grated Nutmeg
• Dipping items: apples, pears, grapes, salami, bread, grape tomatoes, red bell pepper, etc.

Directions:

• Shred the cheeses and coat them with cornstarch by shaking them together in a zipper bag.
• Rub the inside of a 4-quart pot and a fondue pot with the garlic cloves.
• Add the wine and lemon juice to the pot and bring to a low simmer.
• Gradually add the cheese, stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
• Cook until the cheese is melted and creamy.
• Add the kirsch and nutmeg, then transfer to a heated fondue pot.
• Remember, if you drop your food into the fondue, seal it with a kiss to the person on your left!

The "Swiss Kiss" episode explores the captivating world of fondue, a simple yet interactive dining experience with a twist of Swiss charm. From its humble origins in Switzerland to its modern interpretations, fondue continues to delight and surprise diners with its social and unpredictable nature. So, gather your friends, prepare your dipping items, and embrace the "cursed" fondue experience—you never know who you'll end up kissing!

The Melting Pot, Bellevue, WA

The Melting Pot in Bellevue, Washington, is a unique fondue restaurant that offers a memorable dining experience. Fondue, a communal dish, is a melted cheese recipe served in a shared pot, and eaten by dipping bread into the cheese using long-stemmed forks. At The Melting Pot, guests can enjoy a multi-course fondue dinner, with a variety of options to cater to different preferences and dietary needs.

The meal typically starts with a warm pot of creamy cheese fondue, accompanied by artisan breads, fruits, and vegetables. For those opting for the full 4-course experience, a salad is served before the entrée, which consists of cooking meats, seafood, and veggies in a chosen style. The dessert course, a highlight for many, features sweet dippers and melted chocolate fondue. The restaurant also offers vegan cheese fondue, ensuring that everyone can indulge in the fondue experience.

The Melting Pot is located at 302 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, and is open daily. They accept reservations and offer a range of signature cocktails, craft beers, and award-winning wines to complement the fondue experience. With a focus on creating connections and lasting memories, The Melting Pot Bellevue provides an enjoyable and interactive dining adventure.

While the term "cursed fondue" may evoke unusual or unappetizing food combinations, The Melting Pot Bellevue showcases the versatility and appeal of fondue, allowing guests to explore different flavours and create their own unique pairings, pushing the boundaries of traditional dining expectations.

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