Do you have a bunch of dippers in your house (big dippers, little dippers)? We love to dip-twirl-bite so we love family fondue! Our fun Colorado friends have hosted this delicious communal meal every New Year’s Eve for many years. Last year we planned it for my husband’s birthday and it was a blast. 

Things you’ll need:

*2-3 fondue pots depending on the size of your group.There’s 12 of us so I like to have two pots to cook the meat and 1 for the cheese fondue.  (You could also put the cheese fondue in one of those smaller dip crockpots that just keeps things warm.) Each person has their own fondue stick to cook with. Many are color-coded so it’s easier to keep track of your meats while they are cooking.

Butter fondue-this is so simple. Just melt 1.5-2 pounds of butter in each fondue pot. (Enough to cover your meats when cooking.) It’s so good! (Just plan on exercising it off later.)

Bite-sized cubes of raw chicken and beef.  Buy some shrimp too! (Our favorite is definitely the chicken)

Cheese fondue:
2 cups half-and-half or light cream
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire
2 tsp. dry mustard
1 clove garlic, halved
2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups of hot pepper blend cheese
3 Tbsp. flour
salt to taste

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat half-and-half, Worcestershire, mustard and garlic, stirring until hot but not boiling. Discard garlic.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the cheese with the flour until well mixed.
3. Gradually stir the cheese into the hot mixture, whisking constantly. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth and bubbling. Add salt to taste. Pour into a warmed fondue pot and keep over low heat on fondue stand. Serve at once.
4. Dip crusty bread in cheese sauce. Yum!

*This cheese sauce is also great poured over roasted vegetables or baked potatoes.

Bread: A baguette (at least 2) works very well although any crusty French or Italian style breads will do.   When you slice the bread make sure that each piece includes a bit of the crust. This crust helps keep the bread on the fork after it is placed in the cheese.

Salad: We prepare a favorite salad or veggies to lighten up a delicious but heavy meal.

Gather around a big table with hot pots and fondue sticks in hand. There will be good conversation and plenty of tasty bites!

Shari

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