Beef: More than SteaksBeef: More than Steaks Most people hear the word beef and they automatically think about steaks, especially the big four: filet mignon, NY Strip, rib eyes and even top sirloins all pop onto the grill at a great rate. And of course, beef also means...
Garlic the ins and outs of Buying, Slicing and DicingBuying Garlic * Buy firm, dry bulbs with papery skin. * Avoid wet, soft bulbs. * Avoid bulbs with green shoots coming out. Storing Garlic * Store in a cool dry location. * Store in a paper bag. * Keep away from foods that may pick up...
How To Buy, Store And Prepare Apricots?When buying apricots, always look for those that are firm, plump orange fruit that gives slightly when you press with your thumb. Bruised apricots should be avoided. Like apples and potatoes, apricots contain polyphenoloxidase, an enzyme that...
Italian Cuisine: A Trip To The Island Of SardiniaThe island of Sardinia perhaps most quickly conjures up the idea of sardines. A small island off of the western coast of Italy, it certainly incorporates seafood in to much of its regional cuisine. However, Sardinia has such a rich and various...
The Missing IngredientYou may not have noticed but there is a certain ingredient missing in the foods we eat which could wreck your life. Take asparagus for example. Now what could be missing? I am a chef, I can help you.
I know. I know. Vegetables that are purple are...
Planning a Fondue Party
Fondue can be an intimate dinner for two or a fun interactive party for a group of friends. When planning a fondue party you should plan for either a sit down dinner or a fondue buffet.
When choosing a sit down dinner style there are a few rules to follow that will keep all the quests happy and having fun.
First: Include no more that 6 people in the dinner. The logistics of more than 6 becomes apparent when all the quests try to reach the fondue pot.
Second: Put a table cloth on the table so that any drippings do not damage the table.
Third: Place the fondue pot in the center of the table. All the quests should be able to reach the fondue pot from their seats.
Fourth: Prepare two trays of each item for dipping. This way your guests who are at each end of the table will easily be able to reach their desired dipper.
Fifth: Serve each course of fondue separately. Begin with cheese, then the broth or oil and finish with dessert.
A fondue buffet allows for more flexibility in serving. The tables can be set up in a buffet style with the cheese fondue pot at one end and
the broth or oil at the other end. A separate dessert table can be set up along side of the cheese and broth table.
If you are serving a larger group accommodate the needs by having more than one pot of each course on the buffet. This way guests can mill around and visit while having easy access to the meal.
For both types of fondue party it is a good idea to serve the same wine for drinking as was used for cooking. A high quality dry white wine in the cheese fondue and a red wine in the beef fondue.
To accompany the dessert table offer cordials of Kirsch (cherry brandy). Kirsch is commonly an ingredient in both the cheese and chocolate fondues.
About the Author
Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating gourmet meal plans. She has extensive experience cooking with easy to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She is also the publisher of a no cost bi-monthly gourmet newsletter. Her newsletter is always fun and informational packed with tips and trivia you can use everyday. http://www.gourmayeats.com
