My family and I try to embrace winter. After we've unlaced our skates and hung the snowsuits to dry, a cup of hot chocolate convinces everyone to linger just long enough for me to prepare a delicious and warming fondue. Fondue is the perfect winter comfort meal: it's quick and simple, fun and social.
Fondue had its humble beginnings in mountainous Switzerland, where cow herders and peasants would often dip stale cubes of bread in cheese, which was plentiful, melted with wine in an earthenware pot. The story goes that after servants introduced the dish to Swiss nobles, it quickly spread through Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy, France, and Germany, eventually crossing the Atlantic and landing in America. Although fondue hit a high note in the 1960s and '70s, it remains a favourite in many parts of the world when friends gather.
At your next fondue party, try serving different courses of fondue to create a complete meal. The Canadian bacon and goat's cheese fondue would make a great first course, while the fresh seafood and Asian-style broth fondue makes for a light and filling main course. Finally, finish on a sweet note and surprise your guests with the spiced maple fondue.