|
I'm not one for following recipes as a rule (to me, being improvisational is more fun), but my mother has always made a wonderful fondue that we traditionally would have on Christmas eve and/or Christmas. I think she got it from her mother (of German heritage). Anyway, I share it here:
Fondue - This recipe is for 4 - it easily doubles or even halves.
1 pound cheese shredded (Preferably half Gruyere and half Swiss, long thin strips) 3 tblsp flour 1 clove fresh garlic 2 cups dry white wine 1 tablsp lemon juice 3 tablsp kirsch or brandy (Or less and/or leave it out completely) Nutmeg, pepper or paprika to taste
2 loaves Italian or French bread, cut in cubes, keep crust on each cube
Cube the bread in the morning - toss occasionally during the day - they should be slightly dry at serving.
Dredge the cheese lightly with the flour
Rub the cooking pot with garlic: pour in the wine; and set over low heat. When air bubble rise to the surface (not a boil - just the little bubbles) add the lemon juice, then -
Add the cheese by the handfuls, stirring constantly with wooden fork or spoon until cheese is melty.
Add the Kirsch.
Add the spices, stirring until blended (Usually white pepper and nutmeg - small amount of each) and then sprinkle a small amount of nutmeg on top for effect.
Serve bubbling hot.
----
Then, grab some fondue forks, spear some bread, dip in the cheese fondue, swirl in the air a few times ('cause it's hot) and enjoy!
|