Fondue

(Swiss melted cheese dish)

Originating in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel, fondue was devised as a winter dish to use up bread and cheese. Fondue means "melted," and it is traditionally served in a heavy pot called a caquelon that is heated over a small burner, or rechaud. Bits of bread are speared on long, thin forks and dipped in an exquisite cheese sauce. The crusty cheese remants left at the bottom of the pot, called la religieuse, are considered a delicacy.

4 to 6 servings

Gruyère cheese, grated -- 1/2 pound
Emmentaler cheese, grated -- 1/2 pound
Cornstarch or potato starch -- 1 tablespoon
Garlic -- 1 clove
Dry white wine -- 2 cups
Kirschwasser (optional) -- 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper -- to taste
Baguette or other crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes -- 1 loaf

Method

In a large bowl, toss the grated cheeses together with the cornstarch. Slice the clove of garlic in half and wipe the inside of the fondue pot with it. Discard the garlic and pour the wine into the pot. Bring the wine to a low boil for 1 to 2 minutes over the heat source.
Reduce the heat so the wine is at a slow simmer. Then add the grated cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly, until each addition is completely melted. Stir in the kirschwasser if using and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Keep the fondue barely simmering over low heat in the middle of the table where it will be served. Don't overheat, or the cheese will separate and get oily. Set a basketful of the cubed bread on the table. Each diner pierces a piece of bread on his fondue fork and dips it in the cheese.

Variations

Don't worry if you don't have a fondue pot. You can use a heavy saucepan with a tabletop gas or electric burner.
Try to use at least two types of cheese for best flavor. Popular varieties are Gruyere, Emmenthaler, raclette, vacherin, Appenzeller and fontina.
Use beer instead of wine. Stir in some crushed tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms or thinly sliced truffles.
Fondue Bourguignonne: A variation with cubes of beef cooked in hot oil and then dipped in a selection of sauces.
Dessert Fondue: A dessert variation with melted dark or white chocolate and a selection of fruit for dipping.