Choosing to entertain friends and family around fondue means easy prep and hours spent in good company around a joyfully festive table!
If you’re planning a fondue party, take a look at these ultra-useful tips to make sure your table won’t be lacking in anything!
Broth
You can make your own beef, chicken or vegetable broth, but there are also several ready-made options available in your Les Marchés Tradition aisles. Calculate 1.5 to 2 L (6 to 8 cups) of broth per four servings and adapt quantities according to the number of guests you’re expecting.
Protein
Choose proteins that cook quickly and that won’t affect the taste of the broth when cooking. Calculate about 200 g of protein per person and give your imagination free rein by serving a number of different options.
For the meat, prepare very thin slices of beef, pork, or chicken and feel free to try more exotic meats or game. Don’t forget the sea with peeled raw shrimp, calamari rings, or even fish with firm flesh cut into cubes. Also offer a vegetarian option with firm or medium-firm tofu, cut into cubes.
Vegetables
Cut vegetables into small pieces, slices, or chunks and calculate about 250 mL (1 cup) of assorted and colourful vegetables per guest. Carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers are quick to prepare, while broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, new potatoes, and asparagus are fondue staples that need to be trimmed and blanched beforehand.
Sauces
When talking about fondue sauces, the sky is the limit! Adjust ingredients to taste and test the sauces in small quantities before preparing them for the entire table. Calculate about 80 mL (⅓ cup) of sauce per guest.
Mayonnaise remains the ultimate base for fondue sauces. Mix it up with curry, garlic, shallots, mustard, Parmesan, pesto—the list goes on. Make sure to offer a variety of sauces for your guests to choose from: savory, sweet, spicy, sweet and sour…the choices are endless!
Sides
Offer a pleasing variety of food by preparing dishes that pair nicely with fondue.
Make some potato patties, vegetable rice, or a refreshing salad beforehand, and have an assortment of breads on the table for your guests to nibble on.
Some tips
Make sure you have the proper tools for your fondue party. A fondue pot specific to the type of fondue you’re serving, enough fondue forks, a stable and safe burner, and fondue fuel are the basics you’ll need to host your party.
Place all the serving dishes and fondue pot on the table and light the burner before your guests join the table to prevent any unfortunate accidents.
Watch out for cross-contamination. Separate the dishes and utensils of foods to be cooked and those that are ready to eat. For instance, raw chicken and vegetables don’t require the same amount of cooking so you need to make sure they don’t come into contact.
Opt for a full-bodied white wine or a medium-bodied red to pair with your fondue.
Now that you have all the tools you need for the perfect fondue party, enjoy the time spent with loved ones around one of the most sociable and hospitable meals around!
