parmesan fondue

Fondue is a happy meal.  Not the McD's type.  Gross.  But a real happy meal.  It means family is gathering.  It means a long meal full of conversation with friends.  You never eat fondue by yourself, and you never eat and run a fondue meal.  You just don't.  Ahhh, many a fond fondue memories (couldn't resist, sorry).  We used to have a fondue party every year when we lived in Chicago.  Everyone brought something to dip.  So fun.  We just had one because a friend is leaving the island.  Fun party.  Sad reason.  It is sort of a valentines tradition for my little (okay, five feels big right now) family right now.  Looking back at this year, this year, this year, and this year, I thought a bunch of things... my kids have grown a ton and though I love them now so much, it really made me miss their tiny selves so bad.  I also realized we have been doing this v-day tradition for a long time.


So, just in time for v-day...

Parmesan Fondue

1 c. chicken broth (or 1 c. water plus bullion or whatever you like to use)

1/2 c. milk

1 8 oz block cream cheese (or neufchatel cheese)

2/3 c. grated parmesan cheese

1/2 t garlic salt (or real garlic if you have time)

I usually add 1/4 t nutmeg but I didn't have it in my island stash :)

Boil broth.  Add milk.  Once it reaches boiling point, turn down heat and add cream cheese.  Stir until heated through.  Add parmesan, garlic salt, and any other spices you want.  Stir until parmesan cheese is melted.  Put in fondue pot or crock pot on low.  If too thick, add milk or broth.  Can substitute swiss or cheddar cheese for parmesan.

Ideas for dipping: French bread, apples, pretzels, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, mini pickles, mushroom, bell peppers, crackers... be creative.  

Every year we pull this out for valentines day.  As a family.  The kids love it and it is a stress free, casual way to celebrate the holiday.  From my family to yours... just in time to celebrate valentines day.