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Fondue is a dish that is perfect for New Year's Eve. It is a fun and interactive way to celebrate the New Year with friends and family. Fondue is also a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone.
What is Cheese Fondue?
Fondue is a dish that originated in Switzerland. It is made by melting cheese in a pot over a heat source. The melted cheese is then used to dip bread, vegetables, roasted potatoes, apples, pears, or even your favorite crackers. Fondue is a great way to socialize and spend time with friends and family.
Where did Cheese Fondue Originate?
Fondue is believed to have originated in Switzerland in the 18th century. It was originally made with cheese that was melted over a fire. Fondue quickly became popular throughout Europe and eventually spread to other parts of the world.
Variations of Fondue Around the World
There are many different variations of fondue around the world. Some of the most popular variations include:
Chocolate fondue: This is a sweet variation of fondue. It is made with melted chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. Chocolate fondue is typically served with fruit, marshmallows, or cake.
Savory fondue: This is a less common type of fondue. It is made with a variety of savory ingredients, such as meat, seafood, or vegetables that are cooked in oil. Marinating the meat is another way to add additional flavor.
Traditions Associated with Fondue
There are a few traditions associated with fondue. One tradition is that the person who loses their fork in the fondue pot has to buy the next round of drinks. Another tradition is that the person who stirs the fondue pot will have good luck in the new year.
Cheese Fondue Suggestions
If you are making cheese fondue, there are a few different cheeses that you can use. Some of the most popular cheeses for cheese fondue include:
Gruyère
Emmental
Appenzeller
Fontina
Raclette
Monterey Jack
Cheddar (don’t choose a very hard cheese for fondue as it doesn’t melt as well.
Don't be tempted to buy the pre-shredded cheese for this dish. Pre-shredded cheese has an anti-caking powder on it that can make it more difficult to melt easily. That said, if it is all available, give it a whirl and see how it works for you.
In some less traditional recipes, you could add cream cheese, mascarpone, or even Boursin. These soft cheeses are processed, so they have stabilizers in them that will help make the fondue creamy and less likely to split.
If your cheese fondue does split, give it a vigorous stir, and it usually comes back together nicely.
What Can I Use for Cheese Fondue if I Don't Have A Fondue Pot?
You don't have to have a fancy fondue set to make delicious fondue. As a matter of fact, I don't. Here's what you can use:
Heavy Saucepan. Heat everything on the stove and then bring it to the table. If it gets cold, put it back on the stove to warm up. The Lodge pan I've linked to here is to give you an example. There are other less expensive and more expensive options. I have only used the Lodge or Le Creuset pots, so I don't know how some other brands would do. If you are looking for a pot, consider anything under 2 quarts.
Mini CrockPot or Slow Cooker. I think this is a perfect solution because it keeps the fondue warm but not too warm. They are also relatively inexpensive, especially if you look for sales.
Double Boiler. The water in the double boiler keeps the upper portion with the fondue warm for a long time. You can make a double boiler by placing a heat-resistant bowl (I like glass if I have the right size because it retains the heat longer) on top of a pot of water. Don't let the bowl touch the water.
You can use regular stainless steel forks or meat skewers if you don't have fondue forks.
Here’s my recipe for a traditional Cheese Fondue.
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