Perfect Fondue Food

CHOCOLATE FONDUE

Steps:

• To make the sauce, in a small bowl, combine the chocolate and 1/2 cup milk or cream and melt gently in a barely simmering water bath or microwave on Medium (50 percent) power for about 2 minutes.
• Stir until smooth.
• Add more liquid if the sauce seems too thick or look curdled.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
• Use warm fondue immediately or set aside until needed and rewarm briefly.
• Have forks, skewers, or pretty (or goofy) swizzle sticks available for guests to dip with.
• If the fondue gets too thick or cool, reheat gently (without boiling) for 1 minute in the microwave on Medium (50percent) power or set in a pan of barely simmering water.
• Leftover sauce keeps several days in the refrigerator.
• It is a prefect topping for ice cream.
• Note: This is a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your taste and the type of chocolate you are using.
• For the most intense chocolate fondue, use milk, rather than half-and-half or cream, and omit the butter.
• For even greater intensity, choose a bittersweet chocolate labeled anywhere from 66 percent to 70 percent and use the greater amount of liquid called for.
• Butter or cream results in a softer, mellower chocolate flavor.
• Ideas for dipping: Kumquats or segments of seedless clementines, oranges, or ruby grapefruit- If possible, separate the citrus into segments without breaking the membrane.
• If you set the segments on a rack to dry in a warm place or in the oven, preheated to 200° F, then turned off for several hours, the membrane will dry like crisp paper and the juices will burst in your mouth when you take a bite.
• Chunks of pineapple Chunks of fresh coconut or large curls of dried coconut Chunks of banana Dried fruit such as apricot, mango, papaya, pineapple, or Bing cherries Strips of good-quality candied orange, grapefruit or lemon peel Cubes of pound cake or angel food cake, or toasted cubes of brioche or challah Cigarette cookies, fan wafers, graham crackers or digestive biscuits, or pretzels Marshmallows or meringues Toasted shaved almonds (to sprinkle on after dipping).

PERFECT FONDUE

Steps:

• Rub the inside of a saucepan with a garlic clove; leave the garlic in the pan. Add 1 cup dry white wine and 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice; bring to a simmer over medium heat. Toss 1 pound shredded gruyere or other melting cheese (see below) with 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch; gradually add the cheese to the pan, stirring until melted before adding more. Discard the garlic and season the fondue with nutmeg and cayenne pepper. Transfer to a fondue pot or a slow cooker set to low. Serve with bread or other dippers.
• Big Dippers :
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Mini meatballs
• Grilled polenta
• Prosciutto or other cured meat
• French fries
• Choice Cheese:
• These are ideal for fondue. Use one or a combo.
• Brie (remove the rind)
• Manchego
• Cheddar
• Fontina
• Swiss or Emmentaler
• Gouda (young or aged)

CHEESE FONDUE

Steps:

• Grate all of the cheeses. In a medium bowl, combine the cheeses with the cornstarch, tossing thoroughly to coat all pieces.
• In a stove-safe fondue pot or large heavy saucepan, bring the wine, garlic, and lemon juice to a simmer over medium-low heat. Add the cheeses to the simmering liquid a little at a time, stirring well between each addition to ensure a smooth fondue. Once smooth, stir in the brandy, mustard, and nutmeg.
• Arrange an assortment of bite-size dipping foods on a platter. If necessary, carefully pour the fondue into a fondue pot. Serve with fondue forks or wooden skewers. Dip and enjoy!

PERFECT CHEESE FONDUE - KID FRIENDLY

Steps:

• In a small bowl, coat the cheeses with cornstarch and set aside.
• Rub the inside of your fondue pot all over with the garlic clove, throw away once done.
• Over medium heat, add the broth and vinegar to a pot and bring to a simmer. Slowly add a handful of cheese in at a time, stirring as you do so that it gently melts in allowing for a smooth fondue.
• Add the mustard and nutmeg and stir again. Serve with accompaniments