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Fondue cooking starts as an epic story. First mention of the popular dish is found in a recipe in Homer's Iliad (Song XI). Really? Yes! The reference to a mixture of Pramnos wine, grated goat's cheese and white flour had to be a fondue!
My introduction to fondue cooking happened in the late sixties when I was a little girl. (I'm dating my self here!) My Mom and Dad decided to have a small party - they were always having neighborhood parties or bridge parties on the weekends.
One weekend, my Dad, who loved to cook, decided he wanted to do some fondue cooking and invited some friends over for a fondue party. He made a bunch of fondue dipping sauces for meat fondue.
OH MY GOSH! I was in heaven! He cut up pieces of uncooked steak and small chunks of ham and made little batter-dipped fondue meatballs.
He put them in little dishes surrounding this bubbling pot of oil. Then, each of us was given
a long special fork with a colored tip so we knew who's fork was who's to spear the meat and dunk in the oil for cooking. It felt like I was playing this fun game while eating a delicious meal.
I have vivid memories of lots of laughing, joking and kidding around the fondue pot. People were happy. The meat sizzled and the oil spit when you dunked your fork in. I remember that a friend of my parents taught me how to perfect the "keeping the meat on my fork" technique. This involved trying not to knock anyone else's meat off and then forever lost into the spitting hot oil.
Little did I know then, that my Dad set the stage for me to fall in love with fondue cooking and other types of fun-to-do cooking...and that YEARS and years later, I would create this website. Thanks Dad!
I really enjoyed researching fondue history. The more I read about the origins and remembered my own experiences, the more I realized what a social meal this is. Designed first from necessity, and then as a means to enjoy the company of others is something we can all learn from.
The Swiss take credit for the popularity of cheese fondue. The combination of cold winters and finding a way to bring people together was a perfect combination for the birth of the fondue culture.
There are certain basics you need to know. I've been collecting some wonderful fondue cooking tips. They are helpful in creating this fun, informal meal. It also helps to know a little bit about the equipment, fuel, organization and safety that apply to both chafing dish and table-top cooking. But it's not as daunting as it sounds!
Fondue Cooking Information
Chocolate Candy Mall
A delicious source for chocolate candy, easy recipes, chocolate fondue,
gift ideas, candy making tips and suggestions, and more to tempt you
to indulge.
The Chocolate Guy
This San Diego-based company offers Chocolate Fountain Rentals, Chocolate Fountain Packages, Cheese Fountain Rentals, and Cheese Fountain Packages for any special occasion or event.
First Time Serving Fondue?
Are you a Fondue Newbie?
Fondue Accessories
Forks, plates, bowls, and more to make your Fondue-ing a smooth experience.
Fondue Cooking Tips
Become a Fondue party expert!
The History of Fondue
Ever wonder how it all started?
The History of Swiss Fondue
Read more about the history of that yummy cheese fondue and how it came to be.
Kitchen Supplies
Provides information about the different types of Kitchen Accessories, including different styles, FAQs, and where to buy your next kitchen supplies.
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