Best California Fondue Recipes

THREE CHEESE FONDUE

Steps:

• Place the Cheddar, Gruyere and Swiss cheeses into a large zip-top bag along with the flour. Shake well to coat.
• Bring the Sauvignon Blanc to a boil in a large saucepan, then reduce to a simmer. Whisk in the cheese 1/2 cup at a time, making sure the cheese melts before each addition. Add the butter and malt vinegar, then reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting to keep warm.
• Using a chef knife, microplane zester or handheld press, crush the garlic into a paste, reserving the juices. Rub all over the inside of a fondue pot to coat well. If there is any excess garlic paste, toss it into the saucepan and whisk it in.
• Pour the fondue into the prepared pot and serve immediately with sliced apples and pears, roasted potatoes, chunks of fresh bread or whatever else you feel like dunking in a big vat of melted cheese.

CLASSIC FONDUE

Steps:

• Combine the raclette and Gruyere in a bowl and add the cornstarch. Toss well to coat the cheeses in the cornstarch; set aside.
• In a pot over medium heat, warm the wine, garlic and lemon zest. Do not allow this to come to a boil or the fondue may be grainy in the end.
• Slowly add the cheese mix a handful at a time, stirring and allowing each handful to melt completely before adding the next. Repeat until all the cheese is in the pot. Once completely smooth, stir in the kirsch, pepper and mustard. Pour the mixture into a fondue pot with a burner underneath to keep warm. Serve with Crusty Bread, apples and pears.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Put the loaf of bread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes to crisp. Allow to cool, then tear into chunks for serving. Set aside.

CHEESE FONDUE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, coat the cheeses with cornstarch and set aside. Rub the inside of the ceramic fondue pot with the garlic, then discard.
• Over medium heat, add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir the cheese into the simmering liquid. Melting the cheese gradually encourages a smooth fondue. Once smooth, stir in cherry brandy, mustard and nutmeg.
• Arrange an assortment of bite-sized dipping foods on a lazy Susan around fondue pot. Serve with chunks of French and pumpernickel breads. Some other suggestions are Granny Smith apples and blanched vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and asparagus. Spear with fondue forks or wooden skewers, dip, swirl and enjoy!

CHEESE FONDUE

Steps:

• Rub inside of a 4-quart heavy pot with cut sides of garlic, then discard garlic. Add wine to pot and bring just to a simmer over moderate heat.
• Stir together cornstarch and kirsch (if using; otherwise, use water or wine) in a cup.
• Gradually add cheese to pot and cook, stirring constantly in a zigzag pattern (not a circular motion) to prevent cheese from balling up, until cheese is just melted and creamy (do not let boil). Stir cornstarch mixture again and stir into fondue. Bring fondue to a simmer and cook, stirring, until thickened, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to fondue pot set over a flame.
• What to dip:
• •Cubes of French bread
• •Cubes of apple and pear
• •Roasted potatoes
• •Julienned raw red bell pepper
• •Blanched broccoli florets
• What to drink:
• •Dry white wine such as dry Riesling or Sancerre
• •German lager or Saison-style ale
• •Farmhouse cider
• •Fino Sherry