Fun with Fondue – Six Tasty Tips and Recipes You Can Dip Into

Safety first

Fondue is a social meal with etiquette. To avoid a fork mix-up, use special fondue utensils because they come in different colors. They also have long handles so you can avoid contact with the fondue pot to prevent burns. Don't dip fingers into the fondue – it's unsanitary, and you could get burned. If you use regular forks, be sure to choose ones with long handles. 

Big Dippers

There are endless options when it comes to dippers. Just make sure whatever you dip holds together in a warm and gooey cheese! 

Bread is a favorite amongst fondue fans, and you can use all types imaginable. Just be sure first to toast it lightly and then cut it into large chunks. That way, the bread won't fall apart once it is in the cheese. 

Vegetables and cheese are the perfect combinations. While raw veggies like tomato, celery, and carrot are great for a quick option, others will need to cooking first. Mushrooms, potatoes, and broccoli are popular choices. 

Meat and seafood help turn your fondue into a meal. Steak, salami, and sausage are great choices that will pack a flavorful punch. 

How do you fondue? 

Cheese fondue can be a solo treat. Enjoy yours all to yourself while watching your favorite show, listening to music, or a good podcast. Fondue is a great snack while playing games on sites.

Fondue makes an impressive centerpiece at a party and is sure to add dollops of fun. Make a dipping platter with a wide variety of dippers, including meats, veggies, bread, crackers, and fruit. This way, it becomes an entire meal, and you won't have to worry about serving anything else. 

A family fondue night makes a fun alternative to take-away. Gather round the fondue pot while bonding with your nearest and dearest. Dip into games, movies, conversation, and delicious gooey cheese.   

It's all about the cheese!

When it comes to fondue, it is all about the cheese. Make sure you use good quality cheese that melts well. Many recipes contain a mixture of cheeses for a unique flavor. 

Before melting the cheese, you should grate it for smoother melting. Toss your grated cheese thoroughly with cornstarch because that will help to thicken the fondue and prevent clumping. Add a sprinkle of cheese at a time, stir in between, to get that buttery smooth, restaurant-quality fondue.  

Recipe: Classic Swiss Fondue

Ingredients: 

• One clove of garlic
• 1 cup of dry white wine
• 1 ½ tbsp. of kirsch
• 1 tsp. of fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ tbsp. of cornstarch
• Freshly ground pepper
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ a pound of grated Emmentaler cheese (or other Swiss cheese)
• 1 pound of grated Gruyère cheese

Method: 

Rub the inside of your cheese fondue pot with the garlic, then discard the clove. Combine both kinds of cheese with the wine, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Place the pot on moderate heat and add the cheese mixture a little at a time. Between you adding the cheese, you should stir the mix. After 5 minutes, add the kirsch and a generous pinch of nutmeg and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring gently until the fondue is a creamy and smooth consistency. Serve immediately.  

Recipe: American Cheese Fondue

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of processed American cheese, diced
• 1 ½ cups of grated cheddar cheese
• One ¼ cups of milk
• ½ tsp. ground mustard
• 2 tsp of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp. flour

Method: 

In your fondue pot, combine the American cheese, Worcester sauce, milk, mustard, and flour. Cook on a low heat until you reach a smooth consistency, stirring frequently. Stir in the cheddar cheese, a little at a time. As you cook, mix the ingredients regularly until the fondue is of a smooth and creamy consistency. Serve immediately. Try this recipe while enjoying some fun games.

These tips and recipes should get you started. Don't be afraid to experiment with your cheese fondue. Mixing different cheeses and trying various dippers is the best way to find your ideal combination.