I've been craving fondue ever since my parents took my family to a steak and fondue restaurant for my birthday way back in November. But I don't own a fondue pot, I don't think. I used to own one. Where did it go? It is hiding somewhere with all of the other things I can't seem to find this week, like the Star Wars DVDs, the cable bill and my brown headband. Except the fondue pot has been hiding for over a decade through several moves, so I really think it may have actually run away from home. I was thinking of buying another one. Everytime I opened my cupboard to see where I would store a new fondue pot, I would change my mind. Mostly because I had to slam the cupboard shut FAST so my springform pans, rice cooker, pasta maker and drying rack, meatballer, and holiday bundt pans wouldn't come tumbling out. Maybe I could store the fondue pot in West's bedroom closet where I cram my cake stands and punch bowl. I put off making fondue while I wrestled with this dilemma. But then I saw a clever stand-in for a fondue pot in this month's Better Homes and Gardens. The idea is to place a heatproof bowl over two bricks with a tealight underneath. Simple! Brilliant! Best of all-Free! 
I made the fondue on my stovetop and then placed the pot directly onto the bricks. Next time I make it, I'll transfer it to a pretty bowl, but it was perfectly simple and functional in the pot. To serve, I just chopped up whatever storage vegetables and fruits and bread I had on hand. We sat around with our skewers, chatting and eating, and having a cheesy, good time. I can't wait to make it again and play around with the formula. I'm going for pepperjack cheese with tortilla chips this weekend. Here's a simple recipe below that's open to all kinds of variations. Enjoy!
Gooey Cheddar Fondue Estimated Cost: $5.00
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced onion
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, tossed with 1 tablespoon flour
Set up two bricks on a napkin at your serving area. Place a small tealight candle in the middle. In a small saucepan, bring broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add garlic and onion. Simmer for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheese. when cheese is melted and mixture is bubbly, transfer to the bricks and light the candle. Serve with apples, peppers, carrots, celery, and bread cubes.
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12 comments:
You took me back. I've not had/done fondue in YEARS--- kinda like 10! I like no fuss kinda fondue!
I used to love fondue! What a great idea for using the bricks and tea light. I just happen to have some extra tea lights leftover from Halloween. I may have to make this for dinner soon. My kid's would love to eat dinner and NOT get yelled at for dipping in the serving dishes! :D
I like that recipe. Sounds good.
The fondue looks delicious. And now I don't even have to dig out my fondue pot. I can't wait to hear about your next one with pepperjack and tortilla chips. It sounds delicious.
I have been wanting to go to The Melting Pot for a very long time, but it's a bit pricey! Maybe now I can do my version at home. I know the kids will love all the dipping! :)
Katie-I'm going to try to buy a terra-cotta plant base for the next time. Its low and shallow so I think it would be safer for the kids. I'll let you know!
I love your creative Fondue method, and especially your pretty blue and white plate.
I'm afraid the only thing I would want to dip in the fondue is bread, but The Littles would love the vegetables.
I'm with Catherine, and can't wait to see the pepperjack and tortilla chips.
I'm still making your recipe for Sullivan's crusty bread.
I've got two loaves going, and I found a great recipe for cream cheese brownies I'm going to try tomorrow. If I can round up a couple of bricks I'll try this tomorrow, too.
Prudelicious, happy Fryday!! See what I did there?? My girlfriend says hi. Thats great that your parents take you to 'Steak Dinners'. Mine would just take me to weddings and Barmitzvah's of people we didn't even know just to eat dinner.
I always wondered why my folks called me Terra Cotta. I later changed my name.
Hi Purdy,
We do fondue a few time a year, it is always great fun. Way way less expensive to do it at home. Hubby and I do a whole 3 courses for a group of friends or when we have relatives visiting, cheese to start, broth (in an electric skillet), and chocolate (and or Carmel) for dessert.
This is my favorite Cheese fondue, I'm sure you could sub broth for the beer: http://steamykitchen.com/198-fondue.html
For the broth course, I like this Melting Pot knock off,
Mojo Fondue Ingredients:
5 1/4 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
1 teaspoons black pepper
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Excited for your next fondue :)
Kerrie-That sounds soooooo delicious. All right, we're having it this weekend. It's settled!
Erin, I have a white enamel fondue pot I'll be happy to give you! And the skewers as well! I ended up tossing the stand and other little things that went with the set, because some of the parts were missing. Now I know I can just use a tea light and bricks if I have a hankering for fondue! Valerie Phillips
Gosh - I'm late to your blog. The pictures are stunning. I am going to stop what I was in the middle of doing when I get distracted, and have a proper look through your site. Thanks for the inspiration.
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