cheese and chocolate = love dinner

we had a fondue valentine's dinner at home...it was so much fun and SO yummy!  since the large number of fondue recipes out there can be overwhelming to sift through, i thought i'd share the ones we used since they were easy AND delicious.  and, i found it difficult to choose which foods to select for dipping (so many recipes suggest the typical bread, fruit, sponge cake trio), so i wanted to share which foods we chose to eat with our fondue- we learned that the food can really make the meal.

cheese fondue, recipe for 2 (with plenty leftover):

foods for dipping- roasted brussels sprouts, kielbasa, grilled zucchini, and country french bread

toss 1/2 pound of shredded gruyere cheese with 1 1/2 tablespoons of unbleached all-purpose flour in a large bowl.  rub the interior of your fondue pot with 1 clove of minced garlic.  place pot on the stove over medium heat and add 1 cup dry white wine.  bring to a simmer and add the cheese mixture, one handful at a time.  stir in 1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg.

stir over low heat until smooth and cheese is melted and bubbling.  transfer to your table stand.  dip and enjoy!

of course, sadie loved it too!

chocolate fondue, again recipe for 2 (with plenty leftover):

foods for dipping- strawberries, cream cheese pound cake, and sliced apples

gently melt together over medium heat a 1/2 pound of dark chocolate, 2 tablespoons of half and half, and 1 tablespoon grand marnier.  once melted and smooth, transfer to your table stand.  dip and enjoy!