Fondue

Fondue is a French word for "melted" and it is a dish that is enjoyed using a communal pot.  It is a great way to eat slowly while having a conversation with friends or family. There are several types of fondue:

• Cheese Fondue: Also known as "fondue neuchâteloise[1]", this dish originates from Switzerland.  It consists of a mix of Emmental and Gruyere cheese that is melted in a heavy pot called "caquelon", which has been rubbed with garlic.  The original cheese mixture also contains white wine, cornstarch and kirsch but there are several variations.  Small pieces of crusty bread are dipped into the cheese mixture.

• Chocolate Fondue: This dessert consists of dipping small pieces of fruit or dessert (e.g., angel cake, wafers, donuts) into a melted chocolate mixture.  Dark, milk or white chocolate can be used and the chocolate mixture is kept warm in a small ceramic pot using a small tea light.
  

• Dessert Fondue:  This type of fondue is very similar to chocolate fondue, except that it consists of a different mixture.  Popular dessert fondues are caramel fondue, marshmallow fondue and peanut butter fondue.  Dessert fondue is served in the same ceramic fondue pot as chocolate fondue pots and is kept warm by a tea light.

• Broth-Based Fondue:  This type of fondue requires a particular type of fondue pot that can withstand high heat such as stainless steel, copper or cast iron pots.  A broth is prepared ahead of time on a stove top.  When your guests are ready, the heated broth is transferred to the fondue pot.  Guests then cook thin slices of meat, seafood or vegetables using their fondue forks.  This dish is normally accompanied by several dipping sauces.
  

• Oil-Based Fondue:  Hot oil fondue is also called fondue bourguignonne.  This type of fondue also requires a fondue pot that can withstand high temperatures such as stainless steel, copper or cast iron pots.  Guests dip small cubes of meat or vegetables into the hot oil to cook them.  This dish is also accompanied by several dipping sauces.

For recipes and information on fondue equipment, visit www.BestFondue.com.