Fondue is originally a French word, which comes from “fonder,” meaning “to melt”. Cheese fondue was a very popular practice back in the 1970’s, but is also a fad that never really died because it is also a delicious one. Here is how you can get your party started with cheese fondue, and also how to make other goodies with the same pot.

The Requirements for Cheese Fondue

The fondue pot is the most important item that you will require in order to make cheese fondue, and you will find a variety of these pots in department stores and specialty food shops. Some people use fondue pots that are heated by burners, but an electric model is often recommended for beginners. Once you get the hang of this basic model, you can always switch to the more sophisticated fondue pots.

All you need to do to run an electric cheese fondue pot is to plug it in and set it at the desired temperature. Cheese is the next thing you will need for your cheese fondue party, and you can have your pick from a huge variety of cheeses. However, the best types of cheeses for a fondue pot are usually Gruyere and Emnenthaler, since they have the texture and body to melt and absorb any herbs that you may want to add for flavoring. In a classic cheese fondue recipe you will have a mixture of both cheeses as well as the following ingredients: garlic, a dash of lemon, flour, white whine, white pepper, paprika, and sometimes nutmeg or Kirsch.

Quantities for each ingredient should be calculated in relevance to the amount of cheese you use. Once you get a taste of these cheese fondues, you will undoubtedly want to try your hand at your own recipes and combinations.

Other Functions of the Fondue Pot

The second most popular use of the fondue pot is to use chocolate instead of cheese, creating a rich dessert for family and friends to enjoy together. You can serve your chocolate fondue with pieces of pound cake, marshmallows, strawberries or whatever tempts your taste buds.

Oil fondue is yet another popular way to make use of your fondue pot, and is made by adding garlic and other herbs to the oil, and dipping breadsticks or Italian bread into it. This can be a great choice for a party or on cold weekends when you want to make something simple yet special for your family. You will find that everyone will enjoy the fondue pot specialties that you serve, whether you use cheese, chocolate or just plain oil in your fondue.

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