How to Serve a Fondue Meal

The word fondue is derived from the French word meaning "to melt." The most common type is Swiss cheese fondue served with bread. There are restaurants that serve fondue, but why not do the dipping, dunking and swirling in the comfort of your own home? There are numerous creative ways that make fondue a full three course family meal or a flexible form of entertaining for dinner guests.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fondue pot
• Skewers or forks
• Sterno

1. Purchase a fondue pots. Fondue pots are placed on the table and are heavier than most to help promote even heat distribution and heat retention.They are heated for cooking with a fuel like Sterno. Most fondue pots come with a tray, a container for a "canned heat" like Sterno, a stand and a pot. The canned heat container should include an adjustment for controlling the amount of heat by closing or opening the heat source. Some items you will cook, like cheese, require a lower heat than meats.Prepare to complete your new fondue set with fondue fork or skewers. The forks are long with heat resistant handles and two serrated tines for spearing food.

2. Serve a cheese fondue for your first course. Many recipes are available using a multitude of cheeses besides the traditional Swiss. Include a bread basket and a steamed vegetable platter on the side to use for dipping. Vegetables can include cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, green beans, brussels spouts, carrots and asparagus spears. Spear your fork into the vegetable or bread and swirl directly in the cheese mixture.

3. Think beyond the classic cheese fondue for your second course and opt for boneless skinless chicken breast, cubes of beef, shrimp and even salmon. The contents in the fondue pot can be a broth or oil of your liking to cook the meat in on the skewers. For this course, it is necessary that the contents in the pot be extremely hot in order to fully cook the meat or seafood. Accompany the cooked seafood or meat with a wide assortment of sauces for dipping. A few suggestions to try can be honey mustard, ranch or salsa.

4. 

   Save room for your final course of dessert fondue. A popular mixture is chocolate, both dark and milk. Throw in some marshmallows for added flavor. You can include fresh fruits, berries, lady finger or angel food cakes and cookies. Or, try a lemon fondue as an alternative to chocolate. This can be served with fresh gingerbread or gingersnap cookie as a wonderful combination.

5. Research the numerous recipes available for fondue. Create some ideas of your own. It is a versatile way to have your family or guests serve themselves and enjoy a unique dining experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not eat food straight off of the fondue forks as the fork can get extremely hot. Instead, use a dining fork to remove the food and place it on a plate.
• Use thick earthenware for cheese and chocolate fondue and metal fondue pots for oil and broth-based fondues.
• Try low-sodium broths for a healthier option.
• Have three fondue sets, so you have one for each course. It allows you to enjoy your meal without having to wash your fondue pot between courses. You can prepare everything in advance.
• Bamboo skewers make a good substitute for skewers and can be disposed of afterwards.
• Do not eat directly from the skewer. Not only is it extremely hot but unsanitary because the same fork will be used to dip your food.
• Do not touch the fondue pot as it will cause a nasty burn.

Resources

• Over 400 Recipes for Fondue