There's something inherently festive about fondue. You've got this crock of bubbling cheese and those gathered together dip everything from crispy apples to chunks of hearty bread into it and you just can't help but feel a sense of community and closeness. It's wonderful.
However, the fun doesn't need to end that night. If you find yourself with leftover fondue, you've got the makings of some great meals ahead of you. You can begin by using some of the creamy cheese as a great topping for a favorite breakfast treat. Then, for dinner, Cheesy Broccoli Casserole can take advantage of leftover fondue and any steamed broccoli that wasn't used with the fondue. Both are great ways to enjoy fondue a second time around.
Feel free to try this month's selection of recipes as is or add some touches of your own. I also encourage you to share your leftover recipe ideas and comments. You can always post comments in the discussion board using the forms provided in the articles or email me directly at . Enjoy!
Basic Cheese Fondue
- 10 oz. apple cider
- 2 oz. cider vinegar
- 1 T. lemon juice
- 5 oz. swiss cheese
- 5 oz. canterphilly cheese (or another nicely-melting cheese of your choice)
- 2 oz. smoked gouda
- 2 T. cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a medium saucepan, heat the apple cider, vinegar and lemon juice until simmering. Meanwhile, grate the cheeses and toss with the cornstarch. Maintaining a simmer, carefully add the cheese by handfuls, mixing to melt each addition before adding the next. Once all of the cheese has been incorporated, add the salt and pepper and taste the fondue. If the fondue is very stringy, add another tablespoon of lemon juice.
Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot with a heat source beneath. Serve with your choice of dippers such as broccoli, apple slices, chunks of bread, asparagus spears, mushrooms, strips of red pepper, cocktail sausages and the like. Mix the fondue periodically while enjoying to avoid burning the cheese to the bottom of the pot.
- Yields: 4-6 servings
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cheatin' Eggs Benedict
- 2 English muffins, toasted
- 2 slices of smoked turkey
- 2 poached eggs
- 1/2 c. basic cheese fondue
- Chopped parsley
Set each of the English muffins on a small serving plate. Top with the smoked turkey and poached eggs. Spoon half of the fondue over each of the eggs. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
- Yields: 2 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 c. basic cheese fondue
- 1 c. shredded carrot
- 3 c. broccoli, chopped
- 1/4 c. chopped onion
- 2 T. melted butter
- 3/4 c. seasoned stuffing mix
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a 1 1/2 quart casserole, combine the soup, fondue and shredded carrot. Fold in the broccoli and onion. Combine the stuffing mix and butter and sprinkle it over the vegatables. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until heated.
- Yields: 6 servings
- Preparation Time: 40 minutes