When I envision a romantic dinner, fondue is almost always the first thing that comes to mind. For the most part, Steve and I avoid going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day. It’s a ZOO! We tried for a couple of years and realized quickly that it just wasn’t worth it to us. Extremely long restaurant wait times, hurried and rushed meals {for as quick of a turnover as the restaurant can get on such a busy evening}, and typically a pretty high price tag. We’ve since started a tradition to create our own romantic meal at home. More often than not, it’s been fondue!
What I love about fondue is that it’s an interactive experience. It’s fun to sit around the melting pot and dunk your favorite dippers in to a warm pot of ooey, gooey cheesiness! One of my favorite cheese recipes is my Raspberry Swirl Fondue. It’s divine. I was eager to try a new cheese for this Valentine’s Day without being too overly complicated. A couple of years ago we visited The Melting Pot with friends and I remembered how much I loved the traditional Swiss. The homemade version is just as delicious! Additionally, I’ve also got a great selection of dessert fondues including my Caramel Apple Fondue, Flaming Turtle Fondue, S’mores Fondue, and probably my most favorite: Light & Dark Fondue! So whether it’s just you and your significant other, your whole family, or a gathering with friends, fondue is the perfect romantic dinner!
Copycat Melting Pot Traditional Swiss Fondue
This Copycat Melting Pot Traditional Swiss Fondue is the perfect romantic dinner idea for any special occasion!
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 c. 14 oz. Swiss of Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 c. white cooking wine
- 2 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp. finely chopped garlic
- 1/2 tbsp. Dalmatia Sour Cherry Spread -OR- 1 oz. cherry-flavored liqueur
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Instructions
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Toss the cheese with the cornstarch in a bowl.
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Place a metal bowl over a saucepan filled with two inches of water or you may also use a conventional double boiler. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the wine. With a fork, stir in the lemon juice and garlic; cook for 30 seconds stirring constantly.
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Add half of the cheese, and continue to stir constantly until the cheese is melted. Add the remaining cheese little by little stirring constantly. Stir in the Dalmatia Sour Cherry Spread. Or, if using liqueur, pour the liqueur slowly around the edge of the bowl.
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Pull the cheese mixture away from the edge of the bowl and cook for about one minute or until the alcohol cooks off. Stir the liqueur into the cheese. Stir the pepper in gently.
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Pour into a warm fondue pot and keep warm over low heat.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from Fondue Fanatics
For other great fondue recipes, check out these favorites:
Oh my yum! We adore cheese and this would be so much fun for our next party. Thank you so much for the recipe and for sharing on Show Me Saturday!
Yvonne
Perfect for a party! Thanks for hosting – happy you stopped by :)
I love fondue and I love The Melting Pot. Your recipe looks delicious. Thank you very much for joining in the celebration of #purebloglove, we enjoy having you each week. I hope to see you on Thursday at 8PM, EST through Sunday night. ~Cydnee
Yvonne
Fondue is my FAVORITE! Thanks for hosting such a great party!
Crazy I have never made fondue, looks great! Thanks for linking on Friday Feature, I have pinned your post to our Friday Feature Board!!! Have a great weekend, Karren
Yvonne
It’s so good, definite favorite! Thanks for the Pinterest love!
We went to the Melting Pot and loved it, but also found it very expensive! I love the idea of doing this at home. Great recipe! Thanks so much for linking to the This Is How We Roll Thursday link party! I can’t wait to see what you share next week!
Yvonne
So dang expensive. So dang yummy. Next best thing? Making it at home! Thanks for hosting a great party :)
This looks amazing! What a perfect dish for Valentine’s Day.
Yvonne
We had fondue for Valentine’s and it was wonderful!
Just forwarded this to my sister…We’re making it this weekend- It looks incredible!
Yvonne
Woohoo! That’s awesome!
holy beautiful photos. every single time. can I come live with you? just for a bit?
Yvonne
Erica – you are SO sweet!!!! Thank you so much, you are welcome any time :)
Swiss cheese and garlic?? This fondue has my name written all over it! Yummy!
Yvonne
Yes, yes, and so much yes!!!
We always have fondue for New Years Eve. It would be perfect for Valentine’s too. What is better than dipping food in melted cheese.
Yvonne
I love fondue – I’ve had it for New Year’s too! There’s not too much that’s better than melted cheese!!!
Making fondue is probably one of my favorite meals! I can’t wait to try your recipe and pick all the dippers :)
Yvonne
I hear ya Sandra, me too!
Oh, you totally read my mind! Valentine’s and fondue go hand in hand (and now you have me craving The Melting Pot :)!
Yvonne
Yes they do!!!
I have never been to the melting pot, but it’s on my bucket list. Came close to trying it one night, but wasn’t up for a 2 hour wait and didn’t have reservations. But I will get there. In the meantime, this fondue looks like a way to enjoy it at home!
Yvonne
Definitely worth trying at least once indeed! It’s pricey, but the experience is so fun and worth at least one visit! I hear ya on that wait time… I wouldn’t have been up for that either :)
I have been wanting to do a fondue. I am going to use this recipe!
Yvonne
You’ve got to try it for sure! Let me know if you do!!
This and all your other fondue recipes look amazing. I don’t have a fondue pot though. Can I keep it on low in the crock pot?
Yvonne
Thanks Aimee! I love fondue so much, it’s one of my favs! For chocolates I would say yes to the crock pot, for cheeses and things it’s really best to get you a pot! You can usually find them pretty cheap, I picked up my last one from a yard sale!
Sara Glover
We love fondue and this sounds fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
Yvonne
Isn’t it so good?!? LOVE fondue!
oooh! I have to check all of your fondue’s out! I love it, and what a great idea for Valentine’s Day! I just may do this for Grumpy & Me!
Yvonne
I’ve got a lot of great recipes to try out, you’ll have to let me know if you make any!
We have a fondue pot that doesn’t get enough use, so we will definitely be trying this! It is such a fun date night idea and, you are right, there is something about fondue that says romance!
Yvonne
Yes!!! You need to try this – so perfect and absolutely romantic!
I didn’t realize you had so many fondue recipes!! I was hoping this was what you would be making! We love cheese.
Yvonne
I LOVE fondue!! I have for many, many years – so fun!!
rachelcooksblog
This fondue looks so dreamy!
Yvonne
Thank you! It is so delicious!
Hi Yvonne – wow, this looks and sounds fantastic! Can you believe we haven’t made it to The Melting Pot? I don’t think we have to now that we have your recipe! :) Pinned! Thanks for sharing – have a happy Monday and wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Yvonne
Thanks so much Cindy! I need to run over and check out what you made! You NEED to try The Melting Pot, it’s SO good – expensive, but good :) But you are right, now that I’ve got you covered… you don’t even need to go there! Have a wonderful week!