Generally when it comes to fondue, I’m a purist. White wine, sherry, Gruyere…though I do usually add a bit of Fontina, for some extra melty factor. My electric fondue pot is probably one of the kitchen items I’d save if our apartment was burning down. I don’t use it that often, maybe 3-4 times a year, but if you’ve ever made fondue in one of those sterno pots, I’m sure you understand.
Growing up as a kid, I was a Kraft Mac & Cheese girl all the way. I had a very discerning palate and if someone tried to feed me Velveta or worse–store brand–well, let’s just say I wasn’t a happy camper. I soon learned the error of my ways (though still rely on Annie’s Mac & Cheese for a quick dinner or lunch). There’s just something about all that artery clogging gooey cheese and cream that makes me happy. I seek out Mac & Cheese at places like S’MAC, Dumont Burger and Artisanal. But the stuff I make at home, that is truly my favorite spin on Mac & Cheese is actually healthy! That’s right–no cream or butter, yet still super creamy thanks to one special ingredient.
I love cheese. And garlic. And wine. But what I love most is a concentrated form of all three, warm and gooey, served with bread. Or maybe apples.
ENTER FONDUE.
If I could eat fondue every day, I probably would. But I can’t. That whole obesity, heart attack, high cholesterol thing actually does concern me a bit. So I save fondue for days when I need to indulge. Usually this means super sucky days or really good days.
After discovering the Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company’s Alehouse Cheddar last weekend, I was inspired. I wanted a huge bowl of creamy cheesy soup with a strong ale punch. I could have just grated up the block I brought home, turned it into soup form and be done. But no way was I ready to part with my alehouse cheddar that quickly! I needed something that picked up the same flavors but didn’t make me sacrifice my cheese.
Nothing like escaping the city to find the real Fall. Leaf peeping, hearty cider, pumpkin spice and maple syrup. I spend last weekend in Killington, VT with my husband and his family. We tried to enjoy the foliage, taking a gondola ride to the top of Killington Mountain, but having such little time, I felt the trip became a whirlwind of eating and drinking. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Brooklyn Locavore 