Explore Creative Ways To Use Your Fondue Set

Fondue sets are a fun and social way to eat, but they can also be used for a variety of other purposes. Fondue pots can be used for making soup, deep frying, keeping food warm, and even as an air freshener. They are also great for preparing Asian dishes such as Shabu-Shabu, Steamboat, and Mongolian Hot Pot. If you're feeling creative, you can use your fondue set to make caramel cognac or tempura, or even just to keep your soup and gravy dishes warm. Fondue sets are versatile and can add a touch of luxury and fun to your dining experience.

Meat fondue

Preparation

Before your guests arrive, prepare your sauces and place them in little bowls around the fondue burner, along with the meat, bread, and salad. You can make some sauces yourself and buy the rest. Don't forget to season the meat.

Heating the Oil

When your guests are ready to eat, fill your fondue pan halfway with vegetable oil or another oil of your choice, such as canola or peanut oil. Heat the oil on the hob until it is hot but not smoking. The ideal temperature is around 190°C. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil by throwing in a cube of bread; when it takes about 30 seconds to brown, it's ready.

Setting up the Fondue Burner

Carefully place the fondue burner on the table, ensuring it is stable. Following the manufacturer's instructions, light the flame and place the pan on top.

Cooking the Meat

Provide each guest with a fondue fork for dunking the meat in the hot oil. The cooking time will depend on how well-done your guests like their meat:

• Rare: 25-30 seconds
• Medium: 30-35 seconds
• Well-done: 45-60 seconds

Once the meat is cooked to their liking, guests can dip it into the sauces and pile it onto bread. You can also cook raw king prawns in the fondue, which work really well.

Sauce Ideas

• Horseradish sauce: Mix 1 tbsp grated horseradish with 3 tbsp sour cream, the juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Chill until serving.
• White wine vinegar sauce: Mix 3 tbsp white wine vinegar with 2 tsp sugar, 1 grated garlic clove, and 1 medium red chilli, finely chopped.
• Herb sauce: Put a handful each of parsley, basil, mint, coriander, and tarragon in a blender with 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 anchovies, and 1 grated garlic clove. Blend until smooth.
• Mustard sauce: Mix 3 tbsp mayo with the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 grated garlic clove. Chill until needed.

Enjoy your meat fondue night and don't forget to exercise caution when cooking with hot oil!

Chocolate fondue

Once the chocolate is melted, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract. The fondue will likely be quite thick, so you can adjust the consistency by whisking in additional cream or milk. Be careful not to let the fondue come to a simmer or boil, as this can affect the texture.

There are endless options for what to dip into your chocolate fondue. Fresh fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, and clementines, are always a popular choice. Cookies, such as Oreos, pirouette cookies, and Milanos, are also delicious. For a more indulgent treat, try dipping brownie bites, Rice Krispie treats, or large marshmallows.

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can easily make chocolate fondue in a saucepan on the stove and keep it warm in a slow cooker or over a bowl of hot water. So, go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth with this easy and delicious dessert!

Tempura

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• Water
• Peanut oil for frying (or a blend of peanut and avocado oil)

Instructions:

• Sift together the dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Beat the egg slightly and mix with water in a separate bowl.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined; the mixture will be slightly lumpy.
• Dip shrimp, chunky-cut chicken, and vegetables into the batter.
• Heat the peanut oil in your fondue pot to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Using fondue forks, deep fry the battered ingredients in the hot oil until golden brown.
• Remove the cooked tempura from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• Enjoy with your favorite dips!

Remember to be careful when working with hot oil. Oil splatters are common, so it's important not to fill your fondue pot more than halfway.

Make soup

Fondue pots can be used for a variety of purposes beyond simply making fondue. One such use is making soup. Here are some tips and instructions for using your fondue pot to make a comforting bowl of soup:

To make soup in your fondue pot, start by gathering your desired ingredients. You can use broth or frozen homemade soup, or any other soup base of your choice. If you're making your own soup from scratch, chop up your favourite vegetables, meats, and spices.

Once you have your ingredients ready, simply pour them into your fondue pot. Turn on the heat and adjust the temperature setting to the desired level. Depending on your pot and heat setting, you may need to wait between 30 minutes to an hour for your soup to be ready. This is a great way to make a warm bowl of chicken noodle or tomato soup during the winter months.

Some fondue pots, like the Emile Henry Fondue Set, are designed to be used on induction hobs, making them perfect for cooking soups. This particular set is lightweight and dishwasher-safe, making it a convenient option for soup preparation.

If you're looking for a more unique soup-making experience, you can even use your fondue pot as a DIY aroma diffuser while you cook. Simply fill the pot with water, add a few drops of your favourite aroma oil, and light a candle underneath to fill your home with a delightful fragrance.

So, the next time you're craving a warm and comforting bowl of soup, don't be afraid to break out your fondue pot and get creative! Whether you're making a simple broth-based soup or a heartier vegetable and meat soup, your fondue pot can be a versatile tool in your kitchen.

Keep appetisers warm

Fondue sets are a great way to keep appetisers and other small bites warm while hosting a dinner party or get-together. Here are some tips to help you use your fondue set effectively for this purpose:

Choose the Right Fondue Set

If you want to keep your appetisers warm and follow the traditional presentation, a special fondue stove or burner is ideal. These are usually sold as part of a "fondue set", which includes a small stove with a burner, a copper or stainless steel pot, and a set of forks. The stove can be safely placed on a dining table, and the flame or heat can be turned down very low to keep the food simmering without boiling.

Use a Tealight Candle

If you don't have a fondue set, you can still use your fondue pot to keep appetisers warm. Simply suspend the pot over a tealight candle. One candle will be enough to keep the pot warm, provided it has been preheated. This method ensures your appetisers stay warm while your guests enjoy them.

Create a Make-Shift Stand

If you don't have a proper burner to hold the candle and support the pot, you can create a make-shift stand. For example, place the candle in a small saucer and put a brick on either side. Then, balance the pot securely on the bricks over the candle. This setup will keep your appetisers warm without taking up valuable oven or stovetop space.

Heat the Pot Beforehand

If you don't have access to a heat source on your table, you can preheat the pot on your kitchen stove before serving. However, keep in mind that you'll need to return the pot to the stove occasionally to reheat it, as the contents will cool down after about 20 minutes. This method is best used as an emergency fix.

Use an Electric Fondue Pot

If you're looking for a more modern option, consider investing in an electric fondue pot. These pots have adjustable heat settings, allowing you to keep your appetisers at the perfect temperature. They are also great for cooking a variety of other dishes, such as soup, deep-fried foods, and even cocktail weenies.

Frequently asked questions