Cheese Fondue

Cheese Fondue – the National Dish of Switzerland

So… we were snowbound in New Jersey (not Switzerland) on a cold blustery winter night. But we were not lacking provisions. Susan held her fabulous annual Holiday Party the night before, and there were leftovers galore, including lots of fine cheeses and French bread…and it turned out she had a fondue set in the pantry just waiting to be broken in.
Fondue – it’s easy, social, delicious, cheesy, fun, unique, and oh so 60’s. We went online to find a fondue recipe, the one by Tyler Florence sounded good, but alas, we did not have all the ingredients. So we improvised, and it turned out great! Don’t be afraid of fondue…melt cheese in wine, eat with bread. Instant party success.

Our recipe:

  • 1 pound of mixed cheeses including Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 2 T. flour
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 c. dry white wine, we used our favorite, Grüner Veltliner
  • 1 T. lemon juice
  • 1 T. Rémy Martin (Cognac)
  • 1 T. Grand Marnier (Orange-flavored Liqueur)
  • 1 t. Dijon mustard
  • nutmeg
Grate the cheeses and toss with flour, set aside. Rub the inside of the fondue pot with the garlic clove. Then add wine and lemon juice and bring to a simmer. Gradually stir in the cheese, adding more as the cheese in the pot melts. Traditionally Kirsch, a cherry brandy, is added at this point. We used what we had on hand, Rémy Martin and Grand Marnier. We also added a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a pinch of ground nutmeg. I think it is important to use fine cheeses and high-quality wine for a superior result.
Serve with cubes of French bread and blanched vegetables. Have your guests swirl the bread cubes in a figure-eight motion. Mixing of the cheese by the guests keeps it from separating. And if the fondue starts to clump, just whisk in a tablespoon of lemon juice to smooth it out.
We hope you had a wonderful warm cozy holiday celebration
with your family and friends and pets.

Did you get a Snuggie for Christmas?

19 thoughts on “Cheese Fondue”

  2. Ha! I love that commercial every time it comes on, and am surprised no one gave it as a gift…oh well, maybe I will get it for my lil sister in Texas, and I love fondue!

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  6. First: I love that what you had on hand was Remy and Grand Marnier. Big smile. And we got the three-day storm a few days after you (so is it coming your way) and fondue would have been perfect – 60's and kitchy and delicious. Except it was Christmas Eve/Christmas Day so you are not allowed to improvise on those days. (It's a law somewhere in the cosmos). And my daughter got a snuggie. And we've all tried it on! Happy Boxing Day!

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  8. Looks like your Christmas was very merry. I love fondue, it is always so festive as well as decadently delicious. Wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!

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  9. Happiest of holidays, Lori Lynn! You know, I was thinking fondue also, but didn't get it done. Maybe still…and you DO look warm and snuggly! Here's to a happy and healthy 2010. Cheers.

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  10. Haven't done fondue in a loong time, and the cheesed you used, well really the liqueurs inspires me to consider buying one! How fun! Sounds like had wonderful day after celebration! Hope you had wonderful Christmas! 🙂

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  13. A cozy and warm post…snug under a blanket! Fondue always makes me think(and long for) the mountains!
    Ronelle

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  14. So, I know when you came East! And, now the snow is completely gone. I love cheese fondue – I made some for Christmas Eve. The addition of Grand Marnier sounds delicious!

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  16. Such a lovely photo of you looking very cozy and warm. I also made fondue for our Christmas dinner, but the Chinois style fondue. The cheese fondue of course is super!

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