Fondue for you … and many more
The alpine cheeses in this recipe are known for melting smoothly, which is key in a fondue. Adding vegetables brings texture and bonus nutrition, while complementing the buttery nuttiness of each cheese. To serve 12, plan to offer 6 cups of cut-up vegetables for dipping, such as steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets or strips of raw fennel and red bell pepper.
Cheese Fondue with Fennel & Tomatoes
Makes 12 (1/3-cup) servings
1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups diced fennel
1 cup diced onion
1 can (14 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained well
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
10 ounces Emmentaler or Swiss cheese, shredded (3 ½ cups)
6 ounces Comte or Gruyere cheese, shredded (2 cups)
2 tablespoons flour, plus more as needed (divided)
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, gently crushed
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ¼ cups light, fruity white wine, such as dry Riesling
Fill a fondue pot (or a small slow cooker) with very hot water and set aside to warm.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add fennel and onion and cook, stirring often, until translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper, cook, stirring occasionally, until any liquid evaporates, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Combine both cheeses, 2 tablespoons flour, the fennel seeds and cayenne in a medium bowl.
Heat wine in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Add cheese mixture a handful at a time, stirring until melted before adding more. Remove from heat and stir in vegetable mixture.
Drain and dry the fondue pot (or slow cooker). Pour in the fondue and keep warm over a low flame (or on the warm setting) to serve. Stir in a teaspoon or two of flour if your fondue starts to separate.
Per serving: 202 calories, 6g carbohydrate, 11g protein, 13g fat (7g saturated), 37mg cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 1g fiber.