I Had A Cheesy Fun Fondue Dinner Party And You Can Too

A little time travel is good for us. This past weekend, I went back to the 70s and hosted a small dinner party. The mood was set when I told Alexa to play music from the era of bell bottoms, Ford Pintos, View Masters, and Charlie's Angels. Then, from the back of a cabinet I pulled out something my kids might think was an ancient cooking relic... a fondue pot! Yes, I had a cheesy fun fondue dinner party, and you can too!

I highly recommend fondue for a fun night that's far beyond "dinner with friends." It's a foodie experience; a dining event. The social aspect of fondue dinners cannot be denied. Plus, it gets people out of their seats reaching over to dip their fondue fork. Obviously, smaller parties can stay seated to reach the pot.

According to Spruce Eats, the art of fondue started in Switzerland. Apparently, it all began as an economical food practice. Basically, it was a way of using the "hardened cheese and stale bread during the winter months." Traditionally, the cheeses used were Swiss, Gruyère  and Emmental. The word fondue came from the French verb for "to melt," which is fondre. For my dinner party, I used Swiss and Gruyère with a dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc), nutmeg, flour and a pinch of salt.

Let's talk about the tools. My fondue set is electric and it's from Cuisine Art. From what I've read fondue is best served in a ceramic pot for optimum flavor. But I like the convenience of an electric pot, because there's no need to fuel the burner when it runs out or buy a new one.

You can come up with many options for what to dip into the pot. I started with the cheese fondue and served it with small, roasted potatoes, grilled broccoli, apple slices and toasted French bread. I also had grilled peppers on the communal platter for dipping. Then, I served the main course of grilled chicken and salad. (I'm  not a fan of meat in fondue- it takes too long and never tastes as good as grilled.) Finally, it was dessert time. I cleaned out the pot in between courses and filled it with my dark chocolate mixture, melted with brandy and heavy cream. We dipped strawberries and cubed pound bread pieces in it. It was truly a fabulous fun night with friends.

Get creative, serve your favorites. Hey, I Had A Cheesy Fun Fondue Dinner Party And You Can Too!

RELATED:

Potlucks, which involve people bringing their preferred dishes to share at a gathering, have become a common practice, whether hosted in someone's home or at the office. Dishes range from sweet treats to savory options, with each person contributing their favorites that sometimes wow the crowd but sometimes miss the mark.

Opinions about potlucks tend to differ. Some find them enjoyable, while others may not share the same enthusiasm. People have different approaches when they are in the kitchen. Confidence in the cleanliness of a friend or relative's kitchen and their hygiene practices can contribute to a more comfortable potluck experience.

However, a different dynamic arises when dealing with work luncheons or potlucks involving less familiar faces. Unpleasant memories may surface, such as the cringe-worthy video of a woman using the same spoon to feed her dog and stir her dish before serving it to someone. Such instances highlight the potential challenges of potluck gatherings.

While potlucks offer the promise of enjoyable times, they also present the possibility of mishaps. The diversity of dishes introduces an element of unpredictability, with certain options consistently being avoided, ranging from overcooked lasagna to underdone meat. No one wants to be responsible for ruining a potluck.

Achieving success in a potluck requires careful coordination of various elements. Regardless of if it’s a last-minute event, organizational skills are key. Implementing a sign-up sheet or getting insight into attendees' contributions ensures a structured approach, while still allowing for creativity. Categories such as appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, salads, desserts, and beverages can be added to inspire creativity and guarantee a well-rounded spread, avoiding the awkwardness of a lopsided menu.

Despite not being able to control every aspect, there are several ways to navigate potential potluck fails. To guide you through the potluck experience, we've compiled a list of potluck etiquette that aims to create a smooth and enjoyable gathering. Check a few below.

If you commit to bringing something to the potluck, stick to your word! If you've signed up to whip up a red velvet cake, don't surprise everyone with cookies or a dip. Deviating from your agreed-upon dish can create a gap in the spread, so be consistent.

Consider others' food sensitivities. While it's impossible to know everyone's allergies, you can be considerate by creating a sign with the list of ingredients for your dish. This way, those with sensitivities can make informed choices. For example, if your chili is a meaty, spicy masterpiece, give a heads-up to the attendees.

Communicate your allergies or sensitivities to the host. If you have significant food sensitivities or allergies and are invited to a potluck, inform the host. Alternatively, bring your own dish. It ensures you have a safe option to enjoy at the event.

Don't skimp on contributions. If you've chosen to bring soda, make sure you bring enough of a recognizable brand for everyone. It's not cool to bring a small quantity of generic soda and then feast on other items, leaving little for everyone else.

When you bring a dish to someone's event, whether it's an acquaintance's dinner party or a friend's potluck, consider it a gift without expecting to get the leftovers back. Once the dish is given to the host or placed for serving, it's no longer yours, including unopened items. If the host insists you take leftovers, then go ahead and enjoy them.