How do you eat fondue properly?  Where did fondue originate?

Knowing the whimsical traditions and fascinating origins is half the fun, so let’s get started.

10 Rules to Keep in Mind

Have you ever been to a fondue dinner party and someone double dipped! ?

I am sure you are eager to begin dipping into that gooey cheesey goodness, so here are a few tips for first time fonduists or even more experienced fonduists who just want to refresh their memories, to help you navigate the dos and don’ts of fonduing so as not to commit those dreaded “Fondue Faux Pas“.

• Traditionally you should always start your meal with dipping the bread. It really does make sense as it creates a great base for your tummy, especially if you are drinking alcohol.
• Scooping out the cheese from the pot is a no-no as it will make a huge mess on the table, one less thing to worry about when you are cleaning up.
• Dipping your food with your hands is another no-no, nothing could ruin your date night more than being rushed to hospital with third degree burns to your fingertips, ouch!
• Double dipping, what more can I say other than “don’t even think about it”!
• If you lose the food off your fondue fork in the pot remember to always retrieve it.
• Fondue fork battles may sound like fun (en garde) but it is taboo to knock other forks out of the way.
• Always remember which fondue fork is yours, sharing is caring but not in this case.
• Eating from the fondue fork is considered bad manners and also dangerous as the forks get extremely hot and are very sharp. Always use your dinner fork to slide the food off the fondue fork on to your plate.
• When you dip a food into the fondue pot, always rotate the fork over the pot to stop the cheese dripping and to allow the food to cool a little before eating, another sure way to eliminate a mess and to keep the excess cheese in the pot, no wastage here.
• Swirling your fork around in a figure eight motion will help to keep the fondue fresh and velvety in texture.

You are probably now thinking, wow, so many rules, but don’t let this dissuade you from hosting or attending a fondue get-together, they are there to make sure you have a delightful fondue experience.

Have you had a funny Fondue Faux Pas?  Would love to hear from you!

A Few Tidbits

As they say, a little knowledge goes a long way, so I thought I would list some interesting facts you might like to know about fondue:

• Fondue originated in the high alps of Switzerland in the 18th Century.
• A traditional fondue pot is called a “caquelon“.
• Fondue comes from the French verb “fondre“, meaning “to melt“.
• The crispy cheese left at the bottom of the fondue pot is called “la religieuse” (“the nun“, in French).
• If a man drops a cube of his bread off his fork, he then has to buy a round of drinks for the table, but if a woman was to do so, she has to kiss her table neighbor.
• According to Swiss Lore there are only 3 drinks you should have with fondue, white wine, kirsch or a herbal tea, anything else they say can cause the melted cheese to coagulate creating major indigestion.
• April 11 is National Cheese Fondue Day, a day to celebrate the delicious mixture of cheeses and wine which harmonizes with the bread, fruit and vegetables.

The fondue certainly has interesting origins and traditions which has undoubtedly forged the way for us to create and enjoy with our family and friends such amazing dishes today.