Fondue parties are a fun way to experiment with different fondues and dipping ingredients. Savory fondues are often cheese-based, while sweet fondues are made with chocolate. Fondue parties are easy to pair with drinks and can be made in a standard saucepan or a fondue warming pan.
A fondue party is a great way to center an event around food and fun. By creating different fondues and providing a variety of ingredients for dipping, you can ensure a casual atmosphere that begs for experimentation. Fondue parties are great for the daring chef, and as an added bonus, they make pairing wonderful food and wine incredibly easy.
A fondue is a melted concoction, usually kept warm to preserve the melted texture. Fondues can be savory or sweet and are meant to be paired with a variety of dipping foods. Typically, a communal fondue pot is surrounded by suitably paired foods and often skewers or forks to aid in dipping. Fondues are easy to make and fun to play with, and a fondue party can be a chance to practice your melting skills.
Savory fondues are often cheese-based, leading to an endless variety of flavor combinations. The traditional versions come from Switzerland, where the dish was invented. For a classic Swiss fondue, try combining gruyere with Emmental cheese, fusing together some mushrooms for topping. Create a Southwestern cheese fondue by melting pepper jack, sharp cheddar, and ranch dressing. Or choose a smoked sauce with heavy gouda or smoked mozzarella, garlic and a little mustard.
Usually, cheese fondues are served with small pieces of bread and vegetables, such as celery, carrots and tomatoes. If you’re making different versions of cheese for your fondue party, try pairing the cheese with an appropriate bread that enhances the flavor. Use a dark, home-style grain with a cheddar cheese fondue or a tart sourdough with a fontina cheese and onion combo. Feel free to make several test batches to find good combinations. Chances are you’ll eat them whether or not they’re the perfect pairing.
Sweet fondues are often made with chocolate, combined with cakes or fruit. A classic chocolate fondue is a slow melting marriage of semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream. Spice up your fondue desserts by adding a splash of flavored liqueur, such as triple sec, tequila, or Tia Maria. Make a wonderful s’more fondue by adding marshmallows to the mix and serving with graham crackers. Or go for true decadence by combining a classic blend of chocolate with caramel, swirling gently for a two-tone effect.
A fondue party is basically casual, with party guests usually gathered around the tables for conversation and munching. The basic flavors of cheese, chocolate, and veggies and fruit make a fondue party easy to choose for drinks. A basic white or red will pair well with savory fondues, while you may want to open a nice port or dessert wine for dessert courses.
While fondue can be made in a standard saucepan, fondue warming pans are an excellent choice for a fondue party. These can be purchased at most kitchen supply stores and will keep your blends at an even temperature. While the price can vary based on features, fondue pots can easily be found between $30-$70 US dollars. If the party is a success, expect calls from your guests asking you to borrow your fondue pots within a few days.
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