Fondue Party for Four

A fondue party can be an informal supper or late-night feast, but you must observe the ritual. The fondue is served in a chafing dish, over a warmer, and kept just barely bubbling. A basket of bite-sized cubes of French or Italian bread is standard. Each guest has a fondue fork and each spears a piece of bread, makes a figure-eight swirl in the fondue, another twirl as the fork is lifted and pops the morsel into his mouth.

The Swiss tradition is that if you drop the bread cube in transit, you must kiss your neighbor. They also say that when the cheese is added to the wine, stir in one direction only and it prevents curdling.....

For each serving allow:

1 clove garlic

2/3 cup dry white wine, Neuchatel or Cote

1 cup grated imported Swiss cheese

1 cup grated imported Gruyere cheese

2 1/4 teaspoons cornstarch

2 Tablespoons kirsch (a colorless, fruit brandy)

1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)

Dash of pepper (optional)

Dash of nutmeg (optional)

French bread cubes, about 1 1/2 inch

Rub pan of chafing dish with the garlic. Pour in wine and warm it over direct medium heat, but do not let it boil. Combine cheeses and gradually add to the wine. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon, in a figure-eight until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture becomes creamy. Combine cornstarch with the kirsch and seasonings. Gradually add to the cheese mixture, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Place over heat unit of chafing dish or a candle warmer. Stir occasionally to keep creamy.

Serve with bite-size pieces of crusty French bread, dipping and swirling the bread in the fondue until coated. Fresh fruit or cut vegetables can also be dipped in the fondue.

You can always add a tossed salad to make more of a meal, and chocolate fondue for dessert. (recipe follows)

1 cup milk or cream

24 oz of good quality semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Pour milk into saucepan and heat until just boiling. Remove from heat and add chocolate. Let it sit for about 3-5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Transfer to fondue pot and simmer.

Dip angel food cake, marshmallows, strawberries, banana (cut in pieces), apples. Use your imagination!

If chocolate starts to get thick, add a little milk or cream and stir.