You just bought the best fondue pot to keep your cheese recipes perfect and appetizers warm. But, to make the best of your fondue recipe, you need to know how to use a fondue pot, and we are here to tell you all about it.
If you have not bought a fondue pot, you do not have to say goodbye to your fondue bourguignon or call off your cheese fondue party. There are other ways to enjoy fondue without fondue pots.
Before we tell you how to use a fondue pot, we will give you options. So, what can you use before you buy your fondue pot when upgrading your kitchen?
What to Use Instead of a Fondue Pot
Food brings us together; no recipe does a better job than fondue. So here are options you have instead of pots to keep your broth warm.
a) Double Boiler
The double boiler is probably the best replacement for the fondue pot. With the double boiler, you do not have to find the perfect low flame to melt the cheese fondue at a perfect rate. Instead, the double boiler gives off gentle heat at a constant rate, just like the fondue pot.
A double boiler uses steam to heat the pot; even in high heat, steam is more evenly distributed on the pot than direct heat. Therefore, if you can get a hold of a double boiler instead of a fondue pot, you are in luck.
b) Oven Broiling
There is a larger chance that you have access to an oven, which can work for you if cheese fondue is part of your main menu. This method will prepare your fondue recipes in about 10 minutes. Using the oven exposes the cheese to direct heat, and you will have melted cheese within no time.
When using this method, you have to eat the cheese fondue immediately because you are not using a hot fondue pot that will keep the chocolate fondue or cheese fondue hot and melted the whole time.
C) Crockpot Fondue
The fundamental for cooking fondue is using low and slow heat to get the best out of the recipe. Fondue pots with slow cooking will make memorable fondues, and the crockpot is one such kitchenware. You can cook your fondue to the desired consistency by preparing it for about 15 minutes.
Using the crockpot to prepare chocolate or any other fondue is one of the easiest methods to prepare any fondue recipes. All to do is throw in the recipes, and you are good to go. Before you are done, you need to open the lid to allow moisture to escape.
The crockpot is one handy utensil.
D) Thick Bottomed Pan
A thick-bottomed pot is the closest you can come to a fondue pot. These pots control heat better if you keep the heat at a low. As a result, your melted chocolate will have an even consistency and make a great fondue.
The thick-bottomed pan is great for more recipes like cooking meat or raw vegetables because of the consistent low or high heat it can hold for longer periods. In addition, you can be sure to get a creamy texture from a thick-bottomed pan.
E) Microwave
The microwave has an oven in it. But can you use the microwave function to prepare your fondue recipes without a fondue pot? Yes, you can. The one thing you have to keep doing is take a look at the fondue every minute. You do not have to stir the fondue when using the microwave because you can not do that physically.
In the microwave, the fondue will not melt slowly, but it will be the consistency you need. Microwaves are not electric fondue pots and will not give you the dessert fondue as a fondue pot would.
How to Use a Fondue Pot
We all have the perfect fondue recipe we want to try out, and knowing how to use the fondue pot is the first thing to do. Here are some ideas to help make your cooking successful.
a) Fondue Bourguignon
This is a recipe all fondue pots must experience because of their perfect results. You will prepare a lot of vegetables and meat in deep hot oil. This is a classic fondue recipe, and here is how to go about it.
Use the following steps to try your favorite bourguignon recipe.
- Wash your ingredients. If you have veggies, meat, or seafood, cut them into bite-sized pieces before you start.
- Remember, never wash the veggies and the meat in one place to avoid contamination from the raw meat. Put the two foods on separate plates.
- If you are not ready to start cooking, refrigerate the meat in a freezer bag to keep the food fresh. The vegetables should be dry because water and oil do not mix.
- Clean fondue pots properly.
- Heat the pot with oil in it. The oil should be just below the boiling point before you set the ingredients in the pot.
- Cook the ingredients sufficiently before serving them.
b) Cheese Fondue
Cheese fondues are a favorite of many people because of the recipe's versatility. Cheese is one of the easiest recipes in your dessert fondues cookbook. Here are some steps to use when making cheese fondue.
- Pick your favorite cheese to work with. It is vital to know that cheese needs to be well heated before use.
- If you want the cheese to melt faster, you must use shredded cheese.
- You want a smooth and consistent smoothness on the cheese fondue. Use a wooden spoon to stir the fondue to a smooth consistency.
- To achieve more flavor, you can apply garlic to the inner surface of the pot to give the cheese a nice flavorful smell.
- You can serve the cheese from the hot pot to your guests.
- A crust will be left on the pot once you serve the cheese. This crust is delicious.
Take Note: When preparing cheese fondue, you must use a cast iron or ceramic material to get the desired texture. Electric pots make it easier for you compared to other pots.
c) Chocolate and Dessert Fondue
No one hates the chocolate fondue pot and everything inside. Chocolate fondue is one of the best dessert fondue ideas one can have when hosting guests and friends. Get your fondue fork ready because this one is finger-licking.
Here are some steps to follow for making chocolate fondue.
- Ensure the chocolate you use has 50% cocoa content to make a successful chocolate fondue.
- You will have a chocolate and cream mixture, which will give you the best results if heated over a double burner.
- Stir the chocolate fondue to a smooth consistency.
- Once the consistency of the chocolate fondue is smooth, feel free to serve it with fresh fruit, which tastes nice with the chocolate mixture.
Take Note: Do not use direct heat on chocolate fondue.
Once you use the fondue pot, it might be time to clean it. If you leave the pot unwashed for a long while, it might not be the best to do as dried-up pots are hard to wash. Here is how to clean up a used fondue pot.
How to Clean a Fondue Pot
The key to healthy cooking has clean utensils all the time. Cleanliness will make cooking enjoyable and safe for whoever participates in the meal. Use the following steps.
- Ensure the pot cools down properly to avoid burns and prevent the soft sponge from melting under the heat.
- Warm water and soap will do a good job in cleaning the fondue pot.
- You need to clean the cooking pot thoroughly the next time you are cooking using the pot. Clean the outer surface just as well.
- Clean the burner in case of any spillages or spots may require cleaning. Using a cloth to wipe the surface is a good idea instead of using too much water.
Final Take
Your dinner parties will not be the same again with fondues on the table. Whether you are preparing white chocolate fondue or cheese fondue, you can never go wrong if you do it right. Know when to use apple cider and when to use wine. The fondue pot will keep the chocolate warm until all the guests arrive, which is why it is vital to own a pot. This applies to all the other fondue recipes.
Now that we have established that the regular pot will not give your fondue the constant temperature it needs do not wait any longer to get yourself a fondue pot.
