Wine Country Recipe: Cheese Fondue
Nothing screams romance more than fondue! So, this Valentine’s Day, if you’d prefer to forgo the crowded restaurants and opt for a quick, simple and romantic meal at home, we’ve got you covered with this cheese fondue recipe. Pair with a salad, your favorite Temecula Valley Riesling and perhaps some chocolate fondue for dessert…and…voilà, you’ve got the perfect Valentine’s dinner.
Ingredients:
1/2 pound imported Swiss cheese, shredded
1/2 pound Gruyere cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cherry brandy, such as kirsch
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch nutmeg
Assorted dippers
Directions:
In a small bowl, coat the cheeses with cornstarch and set aside. Rub the inside of the ceramic fondue pot with the garlic, then discard.
Over medium heat, add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir the cheese into the simmering liquid. Melting the cheese gradually encourages a smooth fondue. Once smooth, stir in cherry brandy, mustard and nutmeg.
Arrange an assortment of bite-sized dipping foods on a lazy Susan around fondue pot. Serve with chunks of French and pumpernickel breads. Some other suggestions are Granny Smith apples and blanched vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and asparagus. FurnitureCap Spear with fondue forks or wooden skewers, dip, swirl and enjoy!
Suggested pairings:
Baily Vineyard & Winery ~ 2013 Riesling – A delicate, dry and fruity white.
Briar Rose Winery ~ 2013 Riesling – Opening up with a soft apricot on the front and light fruity sweetness on the finish.
Lorenzi Estate Vineyards & Winery ~ 2012 Riesling – The nose is aromatic with spicy stone fruit with a combination of sweet Meyer lemons, along with tropical touches of mango and pineapple.
Mount Palomar Winery ~ 2012 Riesling – Prominent scents of pineapple and soft hints of star fruit, with a smooth tropical finish.
Recipe and photo courtesy Tyler Florence and foodnetwork.com.
