Hosting a Fondue Dinner!

Fondue has long been a standing tradition in our family. Especially during the HOLIDAYS.

Whether it’s Christmas Eve, New Years Eve or just any great excuse to have a dinner party, fondue is always at the top of our list.

This year we had our fondue dinner early, the Saturday before Christmas to celebrate my oldest daughter’s birthday. You see…30 years ago today, on Christmas Eve, I actually went into labor with her during our traditional Fondue meal. Crazy! When your due date is Christmas Eve you think…. what are the odds, seriously. But happen it did. She entered the world bright and early Christmas Morning! So it seems fitting that the tradition should continue and continue it has, for exactly 30 more years and counting. It’s always a highlight of our Christmas!

Now if you know me at all, I am not about being in the kitchen … and here I am posting about a dinner party on my 3rd blog post. It’s only fitting for me cuz when ya think about it, I get to HOST and the guests do their own cooking! Ha!

Now give me a table to set any day, and even the planning is lots of FUN for me, but preparing food in the kitchen, not a fan. Now, there are many ways of incorporating fondue while hosting a party. I’ve seen it prepared as an appetizer with cheese for dipping or as a dessert with Chocolate for dipping (YES PLEASE). However, we actually have it as our main course.

We fill the pots with Canola oil, and place them down the center of the table, where we cook different varieties of meat and veggies.

So here’s a run down of what this might look like. Items needed would include: The fondue pot and forks- forks always come with the pot you purchase, you might even want to check your local Goodwill store. Sterno -usually found in the camping section of most stores. Canola oil – this oil can safely be heated to 375 degrees and not start to smoke. I know some use broth in the place of oil..I haven’t tried that. Various meat and marinades – we usually have beef, pork and chicken. I’m sure the possibilities are endless. As far as the marinades we choose different ones every time. Veggies- we usually use ones that won’t fall apart in the oil like mushrooms and onions. And the process begins..

The meat is cut up into bite size pieces and placed in the marinades for a few hours prior to eating. The veggies are also cut up and several side dishes are made as well. Before dinner begins the oil is heated on the stove to the appropriate temperature.

While the oil is heating, the meat can be placed on the table along with the side dishes. When the oil reaches its temp the sterno is lit and the pots are brought to the table. Let the dipping begin. The fondue process as a meal is definitely a longer drawn out experience.

Each item placed in the pot takes several minutes to cook so while you wait, there’s all the yummy side dishes to enjoy. We usually serve a fresh salad, a potato dish, some roasted veggies, garlic bread and of course, some wine. There’s just something so great that happens when families gather around the table… just love hearing all the chit chat and laughter.

Usually as we finish up at the table ..the clean up begins, only to continue the night next to the fire with a yummy dessert and lots more laughter, cuz that’s when we break out the games…the night has only just begun!

May your traditions find you surrounded by family and friends as well this Holiday season! From our family to yours.. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!