We strive to keep our kids off the couch, but sometimes family night calls for cozying up for dinner and a movie. It's fun to introduce them to the campy family film classics we watched when we were young-er. Make it a theme night with some fondue and Old World titles like Hans Brinker, Heidi or the classic Swiss Family Robinson.
There are some excellent prepared fondues that will save time in the kitchen, and it's fun to get creative with accoutrements. On the savory side, chunks of crusty bread are the place to start, but we also love prosciutto di Parma, mushrooms, cauliflower, fingerling potatoes, cipollini onions, carrots or cherry tomatoes. For dessert, serve chocolate fondue with dried apricots, dates, pound cake cubes, strawberries or cookies.
You don’t need a fancy fondue pot to enjoy this classic family favorite, although it is useful. Prepare on your stovetop first, then serve immediately and keep warm on a single burner or hotplate to keep chocolate or cheese completely melted.
Cheese Fondue
1/2 Pound Emmentaler or Swiss cheese, coarsely grated
1/2 Pound Gruyere Cheese, coarsely grated
2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
1 Garlic Clove, halved lengthwise
1 Cup Dry White Wine
Pinch Dry Mustard (optional)
Pinch Freshly Grated Nutmeg
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Place the cheeses in a large bowl and sprinkle with the cornstarch; tossing to evenly coat the cheese.
Rub the bottom and sides of a saucepan with the sliced garlic and place over medium-high heat. Add the wine and bring to a gentle simmer, until tiny bubbles begin to rise to the surface. Gradually stir the cheese into the simmering wine, allowing each handful to melt before adding another; melting the cheese slowly encourages a smooth fondue. Once smooth, stir in the mustard, nutmeg, and pepper.
Serve it with:
- 1 Loaf Crusty Bread, cut into chunks
- Salted Pretzel Sticks
- Breadsticks
- Crackers
- Salami
- Pears
- Granny Smith Apples
- Fingerling Potatoes or Small Red Potatoes
- Blanched Broccoli, Asparagus
- Steamed Artichokes, Cauliflower
- Button Mushrooms
Arrange an assortment of bite-size dipping foods around fondue pot. Spear dipping foods with fondue forks or wooden skewers, swirl and enjoy!
Serves 6
Chocolate Fondue
1 Cup Heavy Cream
8 Ounces Bittersweet Chocolate, chopped in chunks
Pour cream in a heavy saucepan and place over moderate heat, bring to a slight simmer. Remove the pan from heat and add chocolate. Let chocolate stand in hot cream three to five minutes to soften. Whisk chocolate mixture until completely melted and smooth. Transfer molten chocolate to a fondue pot and keep warm.
Serves 6
Serve it with:
- Marshmallows
- Pound Cake
- Strawberries
- Pears
- Apples
- Clementines, peeled and separated
- Biscotti
- Cookies
- Salted Pretzel Sticks
- Toasted Walnuts
- Dried Fruits (apricots, dates, figs)
