by Jane Rodmell for All The Best Fine Foods, a ‘Certified Good Food Fighter‘
Chill is in the air and evenings are getting long and dark. At All The Best our kitchen is filled with warm and comforting aromas of hearty vegetable soups, simmering coq au vin and stick-to-the-ribs chilis. You’ll be happy to know that the holiday fruit cake is gently maturing wrapped in brandy-soaked cloths.
A classic cheese fondue, accompanied by interesting pickles and a fresh baguette is a perfect dish to ward off winter’s chill. Our cheese guy, Ryan Rivard, has introduced to The Cheese Room this weekend a pack of freshly grated cheeses that makes it super easy for you to create a splendid fondue in minutes. The pack contains a mix of top quality imported Swiss cheeses: Gruyère for rich nuttiness, Emmental for strength and Appenzeller to add smoothness of texture and flavour . Here is Ryan’s recipe. He likes to sip his kirsch on the side so that the pure cheese flavours are savoured to the full, but you can add a splash to the cheese mixture, if you like. The recommended wine should be crisp and with good acidity-dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.
Super Easy Fondue
8-oz (250 g) pack All The Best Swiss grated cheeses
11/2 tsp (7 ml) cornstarch
1 garlic clove, split in half
¾ cup (175 ml) white wine
2 tbsp (30 ml) Kirsch (opt)
Baguette, cut into cubes
In a bowl, toss cheeses with cornstarch to coat evenly. Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the split garlic clove. In a heavy- bottomed saucepan, heat the wine to just below boiling point over medium heat. Whisk in the grated cheese in small amounts, adding more as the cheese melts. Stir to make a smooth sauce. Place the fondue pot over the fondue burner, pour in the cheese mixture and adjust the heat so that the cheese keeps warm, but does not bubble. Use long-handled forks to dip bread cubes into the fragrant cheese and enjoy. Serves 2 Follow the same method and increase number of packs of cheese to serve more.
You’ll find dozens of uses for this mix of super grated cheeses to have on hand for quick and easy snacks and meals… sprinkle on top of a burger, a pizza, onion soup or a baked potato. Add to an omelette, a hot dip or scalloped potatoes. Create a luscious cheese sauce to mix with cauliflower or pasta. Drop by the store for a taste. We’ll keep you posted for details. Stay warm and enjoy.
Jane
