Fondue Classic

Fondue comes from the French verb “fondre”, meaning “to melt,” and dates back to 18th century Switzerland as a means for families to stretch their limited resources during the winter months. 

With some remaining cheese, some stale bread, and a dash of wine the family could gather around the hearth.

Fondue had its heyday in the 60s, so if you or your parents are that from that vintage, chances are you would have a fondue set hidden away somewhere.

If you don't have one, buy one,as it is one of the most  fun ways to entertain at home. And it keeps everyone warm at the same time.

You need a cast-iron dish for cheese fondue rather than metal pans.

Just add some good quality Swiss or alpine French cheeses, a glass of crisp white wine and some crusty baguette, and you are off!

Valérie’s Fondue Recipe

Ingredients - Serves 6

• 1 garlic clove, cut in half
• 1 ¼ cups dry white wine (Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc)
• 200g Gruyere, coarsely grated
• 200g Appenzeller, coarsely grated
• 400g Emmentaler, coarsely grated
• 1 tbsp Corn Flour
• 3 tbsp Kirsh (or Brandy)
• Freshly grounded black pepper
• 2 Fresh crusty baguettes thinly sliced

Method

Rub the cut side of the garlic around the inside of the fondue pot. Pour in the white wine and bring it to a boil on top of the stove. Reduce the heat to a simmer.

Put the grated cheese in a bowl, add the flour and toss well. Gradually add the cheese to the wine, stirring constantly, and letting each addition melt into the wine.

When the mixture is creamy and smooth,add Kirsh and pepper to taste, then transfer the pot to its tabletop burner. Arrange the bread on serving platters.

To eat, spear the bread onto a fondue fork, then dip it into the cheese mixture, swirling the fork in a figure of eight to keep the fondue smooth.

Warning

In France, if you drop your bread at the bottom of the fondue pot, you will be given a special dare!

Usually, kissing the girl next to you or dipping a whole garlic clove in the cheese and eating it (cant kiss a girl after that!)... entirely up to you!

Have fun!