Cheese Fondue

[20 Minutes]

Fondue comes from the French "fondre", meaning to melt. Fondue refers to foods cooked in a central pot at the table. It is a communal way of dining and was very popular in the 1970s. There are different kinds of fondue. In cheese fondue, bite size chunks of bread are dipped into the pot containing melted cheese. In beef or “bourguignonne” fondue, bite size pieces of meat are dipped into hot oil, and in chocolate fondue, bite size pieces of fruit are dipped into a pot of melted chocolate. Enjoy this cheese fondue while creating a warm, gay, and festive meal.

You'll need:

• 1 cup apple cider • 1 tsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed • 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese • 1/2 tsp. (teaspoon) dry mustard • 1 Tbsp. (tablespoon) cornstarch • 3 Tbsp. (tablespoon) apple juice • wedges of apples • cubes of crusty bread or croutons • This recipe serves 6.

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through before you begin.
2. Gather everything you’ll need and always remember cooking safety.
3. Before handling food, be sure to wash your hands.
4. In a saucepan or fondue pot, pour in the cider and lemon juice.
5. Cook on the stovetop on medium heat until the mixture is bubbly.
6. Turn the heat down to low and gradually stir in the cheese.
7. Continue to heat the mixture until the cheese in melted.
8. In a small mixing bowl blend the mustard and cornstartch with the apple juice.
9. Stir the apple juice mixture into the cheese and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes or until the mixture is thick and creamy.
10. Using fondue forks or regular forks, serve by dipping the apple wedges and cubes of crusty bread into the cheese.
11. Caution: The cheese is hot.

Useful information:

My mom and dad talk about how fondues were so popular when they were teen-agers. I thought I would give it a try at my birthday party. My friends loved it. So now we are going to have a fondue party to celebrate the end of this semester at school. (Kelsey, age 14)