With nearly 600 different varieties produced in 21 regions, France is
unparalleled in its vast selection of fine cheeses. More French Cheese Here
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wonderful winter dining traditions are fondue and raclette. Both are interactive
and fun hot meals, asking the diner to assist in cooking his or her own meal.
Enjoying fondue involves dipping a solid food into a pot containing a liquid
form of another, combining two great tastes. For instance, for cheese fondue,
chunks of bread are dipped into a blend of two or three melted cheeses from the
Alps. These cheeses can include Gruyere, Emmental, Appenzeller and several
others.
Chocolate fondue combines marshmallows and fruit slices with hot melted
chocolate. Because chocolate is an aphrodisiac, chocolate fondue is the perfect
romantic dessert. By adding ingredients to the melted chocolate, like cinnamon
or vanilla extract, this sexy dessert can be slightly modified each time it is
enjoyed.
Fondue Bourguignon is slightly different. In this meal, raw cubes of Filet
Mignon are first dunked into a pot of boiling hot peanut oil to cook, and then
dipped in one of several sauces before being eaten. The traditional sauces
include remoulade sauce, curry sauce, aioli, and horseradish sauce, but you can
serve whatever may sound appealing. We enjoy a simple mixture of crème fraiche
and truffle oil. Furthermore, chicken, shrimp or vegetables can be offered in
place the beef, and boiling hot broth can be substituted for the oil.
 Raclette is another Alpine tradition involving melted cheese. The particular
cheese used in this meal, also named Raclette, is heated until its top surface
becomes soft, which is then scraped off using a special knife. The cheese is
scraped over boiled potatoes and served on a plate with other vegetables and
meats, including cornichons, pickled onions, ham slices, dried sausages and the
like. Appropriately, the term "Raclette" comes from the French verb Racler,
which means "to scrape."
Even though raclette and fondue are most often served during this time of year,
they are excellent, healthy, alternative meals that can be enjoyed all year
round. Shop igourmet for Fondue sets plus the necessary cheeses and/or
ready-to-eat preparations. igourmet also sells Raclette appliances, knives, and
Raclette cheeses from France and Switzerland in both a one-pound wedge and the
hard-to-find half-wheel.
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