Fondues to melt valentine hearts
These are dishes for sharing with the one you love
Whether it’s the main event or the sweet ending to a meal, fondue is a perfect treat for couples looking to mark Valentine’s Day at home with an intimate dinner for two.
There’s nothing fast-paced about fondue, so make sure you’re not starving at the beginning of the meal. It takes time to eat a dinner one small piece of cheese-saturated bread at a time. It’s a great opportunity for conversation, telling stories and sharing the company of the person you’re with.
Because there’s a heat source at the table, safety is especially important. Remember to never leave a heated fondue pot unattended. If you have children around the house, stick to an electric fondue pot to avoid the extra fire risk of using a flammable fuel, and keep a close eye on kids so that cords aren’t accidentally pulled or tripped over. Use only the fuel source recommended by the manufacturer of your fondue pot.
As the potential for dripping is high, protect your table by using a tablecloth, then add an extra layer of protection under the fondue pot. Make sure the pot is positioned in the centre of the table, with easy access for all diners. Stretching to reach the pot can lead to tip-overs, which are dangerous for multiple reasons; unless you’re using an electric pot, there’s fire involved, and the piping hot cheese or chocolate can cause burns if spilled.
If you’re faced with a rogue piece of bread that came loose from the fondue fork, a pair of chopsticks can come in handy for quick retrievals.
Our Creamy Parmesan Fondue is an easy-to-make take on the classic. Slice up some cubes of fresh bread — a baguette or other French bread, plus some sourdough for variety — spear it on a fondue fork, and soak up some cheese. Both our Classic Chocolate Fondue and Raspberry Fondue can be served with a variety of items such as cubed pound cake, biscotti and chunks of assorted fresh fruit.