For dinner or dessert – fondue provides options

A great option for parties, fondue can be made with many different items

Amy Paterson / photo editor

Fondue can spice up any dinner or dessert and can be as simple or elaborate as you want. Fondue first was made in Switzerland during the 18th century. The easy-to-prepare meal originated at a time when wine and cheese were important Swiss industries, and the inexpensive ingredients could be found in the typical home. Traditional Swiss fondue utilizes two cheeses that are melted in wine and a bit of flour and served with bread out of a communal fondue pot, called a "calquelon." Since then, different types of fondue from all over the world have developed; including meat and broth fondue, vegetable broth fondue and the very popular dessert fondue, according to Gourmet Sleuth.

Need a fondue pot? Fondue pots can be found at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $19.99, or online at Walmart.com for $29.87. And, just for dessert, the Hershey’s Dessert fondue pot also can be purchased at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $9.99. But before you buy, you may want to ask your parents for a hand-me-down pot, as they once were a trendy wedding gift.

Party Foods: Fondue

Classic Swiss Fondue

Source: "The Everything Quick Meals Cookbook"
by Barbara Doyen

1 clove of garlic, halved
2 1/2 tablespoons flour
1 cup vegetable broth
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon brandy extract
2 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 loaf crusty French bread, cubed

Rub the inside of fondue pot or saucepan with cut sides of garlic. Whisk the flour and add 1/4 cup of the broth in a measuring cup until blended. Add the remaining broth and milk to the pot, and heat on low until very hot, but not boiling. Whisk in the extract and the flour mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, two to six minutes. Stir in the Swiss, Parmesan and cream cheeses, pepper and nutmeg. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheeses melt and the mixture is very smooth. Serve with bread cubes.

Chocolate Fondue

Source: www.gourmetsleuth.com/fondue.htm

1 cup premium cocoa powder, sifted
1 1/4 cups spring water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup plus 5 tablespoons heavy cream
5 ounces premium semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Pound cake and fruit (such as bananas, apples, strawberries and plums), cut into bite-sized pieces

Sift the cocoa into mixing bowl and set aside. Place the water, sugar and corn syrup into pot and bring to boil. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until sugar solution has reduced by about 30 percent. Pour the cocoa powder into the solution and blend with a whisk until smooth. Return the chocolate mixture to the stove and continue cooking over medium heat. Add heavy cream, bring to a boil and simmer for five minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate. Pour into fondue pot and keep warm. Serve with pound cake and fruit.