It’s all Fondue and Games
Fondue, derived from the French word for “to melt”, is a traditional Swiss dish that combines delicious melty cheese with a dash of wine. Crusty bread and tart apples are perfect vehicles for this delectable cheese. Beyond being absolutely scrumptious, it's also an activity! And nothing brings a group closer together than hovering over a small pot of melted cheese, actively working for each bite. Trying to get even closer to a friend? Play the fondue rule of if you lose your skewered food in the pot of cheese, you must kiss your neighbor!
All images by Kirsten Valentini
Will fondue amongst friends not survive COVID-19? Sadly, it is possible so this may be a dinner to share with someone you’ve been self-isolating with, like family, a close friend or a significant other.
The first written recipe for fondue appeared in the 18th century but became very popular in the 1970s in the United States. My grandmother easily adopted this trend and through her, I am the proud owner of her copper fondue pot.
Fondue just begs for an assortment of ~cheesy~ moments. My personal favorite? Incorporating little felt mice into the tablescape as a call out to the classic mouse and cheese combo.
When setting a table for fondue, keep it simple. Small share plates are sufficient and classic fondue forks are the only utensil needed. If you’re serving a salad, upgrade your plates to dinner size and include the necessary utensils.
As an ode to its Alpine origins, I like to pair cheese fondue with a Riesling, well-chilled. And then for dessert, a classic move would be to switch from cheese fondue to chocolate fondue. Sadly I’m limited to one fondue pot so I serve fresh berries with zabaglione, an ode to a different part of the Alps.
Lactose intolerant? No problem! Switch out your melted cheese and bread for hot broth and beef. Then use the hot broth cook your beef. Be sure to include assorted dipping sauces.
Check back on Thursday for all the recipes, along with a comprehensive cooking timeline to help with your planning.