Swiss Cheddar Fondue
Fondue is one of my all time favorite foods. I love the stuff in all varieties and forms. I still remember my first foray into the world of food swirling and dunking. I spent a semester studying in Europe when I was in college. I had traveled to Switzerland and decided that partaking in a cheesy bowl of fondue was a must try while there. The entire experience was so amazing I almost ordered a second pot. From that moment on, I was hooked. I quickly purchased a pot for myself, and then a second and then a third and yep, even a fourth. I discovered The Melting Pot here in the states (certainly not as authentic as swirling the good stuff on the other side of the pond, but still worth it’s weight in gold) and became entranced with the idea of creating a multi-course meal on my own. While my husband was in business school, I joined the Partners club there, for the partners of students, and together with a friend, we succeeded in hosting a 3 course fondue party for 23 people.
Scott and I are still pretty avid fondue eaters today, we just eat it a bit differently now that we’ve added kids at the table with us. In fact, fondue’s versatility is one of the aspects that I love most. Adults can enjoy it as a romantic night out and kids can enjoy it as a fun and different way to eat dinner. It can incorporate all four of the food groups and can contain several healthy options such as veggies, fruits, and meats. Best of all, it’s fairly easy to put together and cooks up quickly.
As a first course to this week’s fondue menu, we’re going to jump in head first with a little swiss cheddar fondue. I’ll be honest, my favorite fondue is the good ol’ classic swiss fondue. Love the stuff. But, in the spirit of the blog I ventured out and tried something a little different. I’m glad I did. This fondue had an excellent flavor and by adding cheddar to the mix, I made it much more appealing to my kids, which for this mommy, is a big part of what matters most. Ready to swirl some cheese?
Ingredients Needed:
3 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
11/2 Cups of White Wine
1 tsp of Lemon Juice
8 Oz. of Shredded White Cheddar
8 Oz. of Shredded Emmentaler Swiss
3 Tbsp of Corn Starch
1 Tbsp of Brandy or Kirsch
1/2 tsp of Nutmeg
Salt to Taste
Start out by rubbing the minced garlic around the inside of your pot (or the pot your cooking it in if you’re planning to transfer the cheese after cooking on the stove). If you love garlic like I do, then you can just leave it there and let it meld with the cheese. If not, then simply remove the bits. It’s all good.
Next up, you’ll add in the wine and the lemon juice and allow it to warm up to a simmer.
In a bowl, mix together the two cheeses along with the corn starch.
When the wine is heated up, add in your cheese, one handful at a time. Let each handful melt completely; stirring to combine well before adding the next.
Once all of your cheese is melted and smooth, add in the nutmeg and brandy. Add additional salt if needed.
Transfer to a fondue pot if you haven’t already and prepare to dip, swirl, and dunk your way to culinary bliss.
Here are a few shots of our cheese fondue night, including the spread of what was served to dunk.
Nicholas enjoying a grape dipped in cheese.
And it’s at this point that I tell you to grab your fondue pot and make your own bowl of swirl worthy deliciousness.
Be sure to stop by on Wednesday when we move on to the second course of our three course fondue feast!
Swiss Cheddar Fondue
Ingredients:
3 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
11/2 Cups of White Wine
1 tsp of Lemon Juice
8 Oz. of Shredded White Cheddar
8 Oz. of Shredded Emmentaler Swiss
3 Tbsp of Corn Starch
1 Tbsp of Brandy or Kirsch
1/2 tsp of Nutmeg
Salt to TasteDirections:
Start out by rubbing the minced garlic around the inside of your pot (or the pot your cooking it in if you're planning to transfer the cheese after cooking on the stove). If you love garlic like I do, then you can just leave it there and let it meld with the cheese. If not, then simply remove the bits.
Next up, you'll add in the wine and allow it to warm up to a simmer.
In a bowl, mix together the two cheeses along with the corn starch.
When the wine is heated up, add in your cheese, one handful at a time. Let each handful melt completely; stirring to combine well before adding the next.
Once all of your cheese is melted and smooth, add in the nutmeg and brandy.
Transfer to a fondue pot if you haven't already and prepare to dip, swirl, and dunk your way to culinary bliss.
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~Debra — January 31, 2011 @ 8:54 am
I love fondue as well but haven’t had any in a few years since my fondue pot broke. I just might have to try this in a pot. Sounds yummy!
Faith — January 31, 2011 @ 10:07 am
I didn’t know you studied abroad in Switzerland! I did too!
isn’t that funny. I like you, love fondue. I think it’s perefect for every meal. You got me excited for Wednesday. Keep brining them gril. You’re doing great!
Have a great week ahead Julie,
xoxo
Laura in Cancun — January 31, 2011 @ 11:40 am
I’ve only had fondue once, and I loved it! Cheese is probably my favorite ingredient for any food
Katerina — January 31, 2011 @ 11:40 am
I love fondue and make it also with chocolate. Totally decadent in both ways!
Emily Z — January 31, 2011 @ 2:43 pm
I love fondue too. We have a Melting Pot near us and me and my girlfriends enjoy going there once in a while and indulging ourselves in cheese and chocolate fondues. This fondue looks and sounds amazing… and now I am craving me some cheese fondue!
Apicius' Apprentice — January 31, 2011 @ 3:25 pm
Every time the word fondue comes up in a conversation, I know my hubby dies a little inside. I don’t eat cheese! But if I did, I would totally make this for him :p
Rita — January 31, 2011 @ 4:19 pm
What a delight! We feasted on this New year’s eve with my son and his friend. It had been a long time but now I’m anxious to try this again; jus wonderful on pears.
Mari's Cakes — January 31, 2011 @ 5:02 pm
I have to THANK you!! I am not a cheese person. The only cheese I could tolerate are mozzarella and swiss cheese, which is my favorite. Thanks for the recipe, because I have several fondue recipes with cheeses I do not eat, but this one is another story.
Have a great week!
adrienzgirl — January 31, 2011 @ 6:16 pm
Nothing better than ooey gooey cheesy goodness to dip food in!!!!
Anna Johnston — February 1, 2011 @ 3:24 am
Julie…. I love fondue, its been ages since I’ve put a really yummy Swiss style fondue together…. I totally must do it because I’ve got the fondue, got the long handled folks…, I’m pretty much good to go really, thanks for such a great reminder. I don’t think I’ve made a recipe like yours, so what the hell…., I’ll give this little recipe a go too.
anne — February 1, 2011 @ 11:09 am
Simpyl put, we LOVE fondue and this looks awesome! anne
blackbookkitchendiaries — February 1, 2011 @ 1:07 pm
i love fondue as well… it’s so much fun! thanks for sharing this.. everything looks so good.
debbie — February 1, 2011 @ 3:55 pm
I’ve done fondue a few times with our kids and they’ve always loved it. I need to do it more!
Juliana — February 1, 2011 @ 7:33 pm
I love fondue, and you just reminded me that I should plan to do it in the near future
Yours look delicious, so creamy and rich in flavor. Great photos!
Monet — February 2, 2011 @ 12:38 am
I loved seeing Nicholas enjoying his food! What a great party idea (for adults and children!) I am slightly jealous that you got to taste fondue in Europe…but then again, I now have a fabulous recipe to try in my own home. Thank you for sharing with me, my sweet friend. I hope you are staying safe and warm. It is even too cold in my part of the country…and I’m in Austin!
Fondue Coq au Vin and My Long Anticipated SITS Day! | Mommie Cooks! — February 2, 2011 @ 7:03 am
[…] sharing them with all of you. You’re joining us in the middle of fondue week; we tackled cheese on Monday, we’re diving into dinner today, and we’ll finish with the best part; dessert […]
white collar | green soul — February 2, 2011 @ 8:11 am
visiting from sits! congrats on your special day!
this looks fantastic. I love fondue; it’s such an overlooked meal idea. I will definitely be trying this!
A little bit of everything — February 2, 2011 @ 2:40 pm
I love cheese fondue and of course, chocolate fondue. love the large variety of choices fondue gives you.
Congrats on your SITS day, i’m going to check it out
have a wonderful day Julie
Maranda — February 2, 2011 @ 6:48 pm
Oh I love fondue!!! I was introduced to it through The Melting Pot and haven’t gone back since! I even bought The Melting Pot cookbook and a fondue pot of my own. Delicious!
Licia — February 2, 2011 @ 6:57 pm
This looks soo yummy. My husband and I enjoy fondue quite a bit so I will give this a try. I went through some of your recipies and I love the way you present them in the context of your family and how the food fits into your family life. The photography is great, also.
Congratulations on your SITS day. Very well deserved.
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum — February 3, 2011 @ 8:33 pm
FUN! I studied abroad and visited Switzerland also.. and of course, between my roommate and me, we ordered and ate a whole crock pot of cheese fondue!! Oh dear. Just thinking about it makes me want to go to the gym. But it was so tasty, and this is so fun! I have never thought about making it myself… maybe I will give it a try!