Fondue - Cheesy, Yummy, What's not to like?

Although fondue is not an Italian dish, it is too delicious not to post.  And although it is not Italian, nothing is stopping me from making it and using cubed Italian Ciabatta to dip into it, while drinking a nice Italian red wine.  

So, I would say that qualifies it to be part of my blog...

Fondue is not only fun to eat, but it makes for a romantic evening

The other night, I made probably one of the best fondue dinners I ever made.   Of course, I made some Ciabatta (see recipe) to go with it.   But you can dip a variety of things in it to make a wonderful evening.  I will share with you exactly how I made it, but you can adapt it to your needs.

Ingredients

• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups White Wine ( I used Riesling ), or beer
• 12 - 16 oz ( 2 packages ) shredded cheese ( Mexican blend or cheddar jack) DO NOT GET LIGHT or FAT FREE CHEESES!!!!!!
• Stuff for dipping (Cubed and toasted Italian Bread, little hot dogs, broccoli and cauliflower, etc...   
• Someone you love to share this dinner with.

Directions

• In a small pot, heat up the olive oil and saute the garlic, being careful not to burn it.
•  After the garlic is browned, add the wine or beer.    It will sizzle.
• Add some of the shredded cheese, slowly while stirring. Allow it to melt.   
• Add more cheese slowly, until you achieve the consistency that you like.  Some folks like it thinner, others thicker.   This is all about you!  Make it your way!  Make sure you continue to stir, so that it doesn't burn on the bottom.

At this point I transfer to a little crock pot in the center of my table.   I used to not have a crock pot, so I would have to constantly get up and re-heat the cheese.   Having the crock pot is wonderful, because you can just relax and enjoy your dinner.

The crock pot I bought came with a smaller crock pot called the Little Dipper.




The Little Dipper is perfect for this.  Your cheese doesn't burn, but I suggest that you will have to first melt it in a pot on your stove and transfer it to this baby sized crock pot.

So, now it is up to you to pull the cork from a nice bottle of red wine, which is exactly what I did, and enjoy with your sweetie. Play some soft music, dim the lights and enjoy life!