Posted in Kitchen

I began making fondue some years ago.  The hubby and I had visited a really unique restaurant (The Melting Pot).  Although we have tried different types of cooking methods and a variety of dishes on the menu, we have found that we enjoy one dish the best and so we have been ordering the same meal for years. 

The meal consists of 4 courses; cheese, salad, main course, dessert.  The enjoyment of this meal spurred me into trying to recreate it at home.  Making all 4 courses is a LOT of work.  The main course, which has oil in the pot, isn't very conducive to small children.  So, in an effort to make a family friendly meal, I stuck with teaching myself the cheese course.  You wouldn't believe how easy it really is. 

This is a truly fun meal for all.  You don't need a fondue pot, although it is helpful for serving.  When I began I had nothing more than my regularly kitchen supplies.  I first used a sauce pan to make the fondue, and then served it in that pot .  Then I began making the fondue on the stove top and transferring it to a warming dish (the kind that has a candle underneath it) for serving.  Then one year I received and electric fondue pot for a gift, and have been using that ever since.  So whatever your means, you too can make fondue.

Leslie's Cheese Fondue

1 brick of Emmenthaler swiss cheese cubed(I have used other swisses successfully)

2 lbs cheddar (I like sharp)

1 can of beer

minced garlic to taste

dry mustard

worcester sauce

flour

Apples

Carrots

Celery

French bread

1. Heat the beer and the garlic over medium heat
2. Add a handfull of cheddar.  Stir constantly. 
3. When the cheese seems to be melting well, begin adding some swiss cubes.  Stir constantly. 
4. Add dry mustard (I probably use about 1-2 tsps) and worcester sauce (a few shakes will do)
5. Continue adding cheeses and stirring.  If the cheese starts to bubble reduce heat a bit and keep cooking. 
6. When the cheese appears all melted, you should notice a slight ring of liquid around the edge.  Sprinkle in some flour (about 2 TBSP) and mix well.  While stirring, wait a few moments for it to thicken.  Take a small piece of bread and dip it in.  If the cheese sticks to the bread, but isn't too thick, it's ready.
7. Turn heat to the lowest setting possible.  Cut bread, apples, celery, and carrots into bite size pieces. 

If you don't have fondue forks, you can use wooden or metal skewers.  This takes only about 10-15 minutes to prepare.  I make a double recipe for my family of 6, because this is the meal where everyone overeats!  It's so much fun and delicious!  Also, for variety, you can play around with different types of cheeses.  You can pick different items for dipping, too, i.e. soft pretzels, soft boiled potatoes, broccoli, nacho chips, cauliflower, etc.  Our youngest is 2 and she chooses not to dip (we think it is because it is too much work for her), but all our kids enjoy dipping otherwise.  Just remind th em to be careful of the pot.  =)

Buono Appettito!