Traditional Swiss Fondue

Fondue is such a fun dinner idea.  Whether you're planning an at-home date night or a fun dinner party with another couple, there's just something about dipping your dinner!  I remember many chocolate fondue desserts as a little girl, thinking they were so much fun!  As a teen, I graduated to a full-on fondue dinner while vacationing at a fabulous ski chalet in the French Alps.  In college, there was a great fondue restaurant where I celebrated many special occasions with friends and family.  Most recently, fondue has become a Valentine's tradition for my husband and me, since this was our first special dinner together way back when.

3 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese

2 tablespoons flour

1 cup white wine

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic

1 ounce sherry

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

dash of ground nutmeg

Toss cheese with flour in a bowl.  Place a metal bowl over a saucepan filled with two inches water (you can also use a double broiler).  Reduce heat to medium and add wine.  Stir in the lemon juice and garlic, whisking as you go.  Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Add half the cheese and cook until melted.  Add the remaining cheese, a little at a time, until all the cheese is completely melted.  Add the sherry slowly, around the edges of the bowl.  Pull the cheese mixture away from the edge of the bowl and cook about a minute, until the alcohol cooks off.  Stir to incorporate all the ingredients.  Season with pepper and nutmeg.

Pour into a warm fondue pot and keep warm over low heat.  Serve with cubed bread, fresh veggies (broccoli works great!), and boiled baby potatoes to dip.

Recipe adapted from Dip Into Something Different, from The Melting Pot.