Fondue Faux Pas: Ingredients To Avoid In Your Pot

Fondue is a fun and communal dish, perfect for a dinner party or get-together. But what should you not include in your fondue?

Firstly, it's important to remember that the quality of your fondue will depend on the quality of your ingredients. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper cheeses, it's worth investing in good-quality, creamy cheeses that melt smoothly. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, as these are often coated in additives that can prevent them from melting properly.

When it comes to dippers, the options are endless, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, if you're serving raw meat, ensure it is only transferred directly from its original bowl to the pot of oil or broth. Don't place it on your dinner plate first! This helps to prevent cross-contamination. Secondly, avoid double-dipping to keep things hygienic. Thirdly, while it may be tempting to overload your guests with options, try to stick to a few select meats, sides and sauces to avoid overwhelming them.

Lastly, while it can be fun to experiment with different types of alcohol in your fondue, avoid using low-quality wine. The taste of the wine will directly impact the taste of the fondue, so opt for something you'd be happy to drink with dinner.

Meat

When selecting meat for fondue, it is important to choose tender cuts, especially if you are serving red meat. The cooking time for meat fondue is very short, usually between 30 to 60 seconds for red meat, so you want to avoid tougher cuts that require longer cooking times.

Some recommended options include:

• Sirloin steak
• Buffalo
• Filet mignon
• Flank steak
• Ribeye
• Chicken
• Pork

Marinating the Meat

Marinating the meat is an optional step, but it can add a lot of flavour to your fondue. It is also a good idea if you want to add some extra tenderizing to your meat. You can use a variety of marinades, such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, or a combination of these ingredients. Remember to refrigerate the meat while it is marinating, and for at least four hours to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Cooking Liquid

The two most common cooking liquids for meat fondue are oil and broth.

Oil

If you want a more traditional meat fondue, oil is the way to go. Suitable oils include vegetable, canola, grapeseed, and peanut oil. It is important to note that you should avoid using oils with a low smoke point, as the temperatures required for fondue are very high, and you risk burning the oil.

Before adding the oil to the fondue pot, be sure to dry your meat pieces thoroughly to prevent the oil from splashing.

Broth

Broth is a good option if you want to add more flavour to your meat. You can use a variety of broths, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable, and even infuse them with herbs and spices.

Cooking Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking meat fondue is around 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). You can use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature of your cooking liquid. If you are using oil and don't have a thermometer, you can test the temperature by tossing in a cube of bread. If it turns golden brown after 30 seconds, your oil is ready.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for meat fondue will depend on the type of meat and your desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide:

• Red meat: 30 seconds for rare, 45 seconds for medium-rare, 1 minute for well done
• Poultry: 2 minutes
• Lamb: 1 minute
• Pork: 1 minute

Serving Suggestions

Safety Tips

• Always use a trivet to protect your table from the hot fondue pot.
• Do not use fondue forks as eating utensils. They can become very hot and are unhygienic. Use regular forks to eat the cooked meat.
• If a fire starts in the fondue pot, smother it with the pot cover. Do not use water, as this will spread the fire.
• Be careful not to overcrowd the fondue pot with too many forks, as this can lower the temperature of the cooking liquid.
• Always supervise children around the fondue pot to prevent accidents.

Fruits

Fruit and cheese are a classic combination, but not all fruits are created equal when it comes to fondue.

The crunchy, crisp tartness of an apple is a perfect match for melted cheese, and it makes for a delicious snack or appetizer. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice, as their tartness complements the creaminess of the fondue nicely. Apples can be cut into slices, but cubes tend to be easier to skewer and dip.

Pears are another fruit that can pair well with fondue, especially Bosc pears, which have nutmeg and cinnamon undertones that bring out the spices found in many fondue recipes.

While apples and pears are the most common fruit choices for fondue, you can also experiment with other fruits such as grapes and cherry tomatoes, which provide a tasty, crunchy counterpoint to the cheese.

When selecting fruit for fondue, it's important to choose options that have a crisp texture and a tart or sweet flavour that will complement the cheese. Softer fruits or those with stronger flavours may not pair as well with the fondue and could be more difficult to skewer and dip.

So, the next time you're planning a fondue party, be sure to include some crisp apples and pears, and don't be afraid to experiment with other fruits to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.

Raw foods

Vegetables

Raw vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, and asparagus are excellent choices for fondue. They add a healthy and nutritious element to the meal and provide a satisfying crunch. You can also dip other raw vegetables like cucumbers, summer squash, green beans, and mushrooms. If you want to make the vegetables easier to dip, slice them into thin, long strips. Alternatively, you can steam or lightly cook the vegetables before dipping them in the fondue.

Fruits

Fruits, especially apples, pair surprisingly well with cheese fondue. The crisp and tartness of apples create a perfect match for the melted cheese. Cut apples into cubes instead of slices to make them easier to spear and dip. You can also try other fruits like pears, which have cinnamon and nutmeg undertones that complement the spices in many fondues.

Meat

Although cooked meats like meatballs and sausage are commonly served with fondue, you can also offer raw meat options. Thinly sliced steak tips or steak strips can be dipped into the cheese fondue, creating a delicious combination similar to cheesesteaks. Just make sure that raw meats are transferred directly from their original bowl to the fondue pot to avoid cross-contamination.

Starchy foods

The addition of starchy foods can dilute the flavour of the fondue and make it less rich and indulgent. Starchy foods can also make the fondue thicker and lumpier, taking away from the smooth and creamy texture that is characteristic of a well-made fondue.

While starchy foods can provide energy, they may not offer the same nutritional benefits as other food options. Fondue is often a communal meal shared with friends and family, and it is important to offer a variety of nutritious foods that will satisfy your guests.

Instead of starchy foods, you can offer an array of fresh and colourful vegetables that will add a crunchy texture to the fondue experience. Some popular choices include broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, and asparagus. These options provide a healthy balance to the richness of the cheese or broth.

Fondue is meant to be a leisurely dining experience where guests can savour a variety of foods. Including starchy foods may fill up your guests too quickly, leaving them less likely to enjoy the full range of flavours and textures that fondue has to offer.

In conclusion, while starchy foods are a staple in many diets, they are not the best choice for fondue. By avoiding starchy foods and opting for healthier and more flavourful alternatives, you can create a fondue experience that is not only delicious but also offers a well-rounded dining experience for you and your guests.

Salty snacks

Candied bacon or smoked jerky, for example, introduces a salted twist to the chocolate fondue. Regular bacon is also a good choice, as many desserts are enhanced by bacon—it's the combination of salty, smoky, and sweet that is so appealing.

For an umami-rich, unique twist, try pairing your chocolate fondue with spicy tortilla chips, savory rosemary and sea salt crackers, or even seaweed snacks.

If you want to stick to a more traditional route, bread is a great option for chocolate fondue. Savoury bread with ingredients like olives or cheese can be an exciting match with chocolate fondue, providing a delightful contrast to the rich notes of dark chocolate.

Pretzels and potato chips are also great choices for chocolate fondue, as they are sturdy enough to handle the chocolate without breaking.

So, if you're looking to add some salty snacks to your fondue, consider bacon, savoury crackers, pretzels, or potato chips. These options will provide a delicious contrast to the sweet chocolate and are sure to be a hit!

Frequently asked questions