While it may be difficult for many to pick what makes a fondue so special, we love it because of the fact that alcohol, whether it is wine, beer or stout, is the key element in the mix. Of course, we aren’t saying we don’t love the gooey, melting cheese but what is fondue without alcohol, right? Just curdled cheese, really!
You will either need a fondue pot or a double boiler to get the process started and don’t forget to rub the insides of the vessel with half a garlic to add a slight flavour to the cheese. Also, ensure the cheese is shredded and mixed in a bit of cornstarch to simplify the melting process. Here goes:
The Classic Fondue: You will need a good amount of dry white wine, a dash of cherry brandy and a bit of lemon juice simmering on medium heat. Gradually mix in Gruyere and Emmental cheese, and continue to stir while you watch it melt to arrive at your classic fondue. Enjoy with your preferred dippers – bread chunks or veggies!
Herbalicious Wine Fondue: Follow the directions to make the classic fondue and in addition, throw in fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, dried basil, rosemary, add in chopped black olives, and you are good to go.
Cheesy Beer Fondue: Stir in Cheddar cheese, your preferred Swiss cheese, a dash of black pepper and a spoonful of refined flour into a pot of simmering beer. Add in chilli sauce for extra flavour. You then have your flavoursome fondue ready for your dippers.
Cheesy Tequila Fondue: Mix in a bit of Cheddar and good amounts of Fontina cheese into the simmering dry wine. Once the cheese melts, stir in a mixture of cornstarch and tequila along with a dash of chilli sauce, pepper and salt.
Drunk Chocolate Fondue: Throw in dark chocolate, liqueur, brandy and heavy cream in the double boiler and watch it all disintegrate into a delicious chocolaty mess. Use fruits like strawberries, kiwis or even mini vanilla or chocolate cupcakes as your dippers for this beautiful dessert.
Let the party begin!