Basic Fondue (Fondue Neuchateloise)

This recipe for Basic Fondue (Fondue Neuchateloise) uses Gruyere cheese, white wine, garlic, white bread and more, then served as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 fl oz. Dry white wine
• Clove garlic
• 5 1/2 oz. Emmental and Gruyere cheese*
• 1 ts Cornstarch
• 1/2 fl oz. Kirsch**
• Shake pepper
• Grind fresh nutmeg
• 6 oz. White bread, cubed
  

(Note: the above measurements are for *each* person. Multiply by your number of guests.)

* Grated and mixed half and half.  ** This is Swiss cherry firewater: clear, dry-tasting -- *not* "cherry brandy", which is dark and sweet. Most good liquor stores should carry it, at least one of the US brands like Hiram Walker, or else maybe Bols. The best Kirsch is "Etter" brand from Switzerland, but the odds of your finding it are minuscule.

In Switzerland, fondue is usually prepared in a "caquelon", an earthenware dish with a handle, glazed inside; but any enameled saucepan can be used, or a not too shallow fireproof dish.

 

Directions:

1. Rub the inside of the pan with half a cut clove of garlic, and let it dry until the rubbed places feel tacky. Put the wine in the dish and bring it to a boil.
2. Slowly start adding cheese to the boiling wine, and stir constantly until each bit is dissolved, then add more.
3. When all the cheese is in, stir the kirsch into the cornstarch well, then add the mixture to the cheese and keep stirring over the heat until the mixture comes to a boil again.
4. Add freshly ground pepper and nutmeg to taste.
5. Remove the dish to on top of a small live flame (Sterno or alcohol burner) and keep it bubbling slowly.