monique

I know this isn't really a travel question, but you people are in-the-know, so I figured I'd ask!<BR><BR>I want a fondue set (for meat or cheese fondue, not dessert) for Christmas. What's the best kind? I have seen stainless steel ones here in the US, but I thought an 'authentic' fondue was made on the stove in a ceramic-like pot, and then placed on top of the fondue apparatus. At least that's the way I had it in Switzerland.<BR><BR>Thanks!!

monique

Can I get something like this in the US for less money than this? It doesn't need to be swiss-made or anything like that. (Landert Ivory Pot and Burner set for $139) http://www.shopswiss.com/forks.html<BR><BR>Look at the cute designs on this page!<BR>http://www.shopswiss.com/pots.html<BR>

jules

<BR>Monique:<BR>Ceramic is wonderful, but also delicate. Another option is enameled cast iron. I did a quick search and found a set from Le Creuset (very good quality) at $84.95. See<BR>http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Cookware-All-Le_Creuset_Fondues_6009000<BR>Indeed, it is customary to prepare your fondue on the stove, and move it to the burner when you're ready to &quot;attack&quot;.<BR>Bon app&eacute;tit!

Meg

Monique,<BR><BR>The ceramic pots are meant for traditional Swiss cheese fondue.<BR><BR>The metal ones are multi-purpose, as you can heat the oil for meat fondue without fear of breakage.<BR><BR>Don't forget the special forks!<BR><BR>Another fondue idea is to use beef-broth to cook the meat (and vegetables, too. It's delicious to drink when you've used up all the meat. <BR>

Phil

The use of beef broth istead of oil to fry the meat is excellent, as it is not as rich and filling as oil. You should however use thinly sliced bits of meat instead of the more traditional cubes, otherwise it will take you much too long to have it cooked.<BR><BR>Another idea is to use red wine instead of beef broth.<BR><BR>Enjoy.<BR><BR>Phil.

monique

I plan on using the broth for the meat instead of oil. I read somewhere that the enameled cast iron pots can be used for all three. But the ceramic are so much cheaper!

xxx

Ceramic pot for cheese fondue sounds right. <BR><BR>P.S. Don't forget 2 musts:<BR>- you drop your bread in the pot, you swig a shot of kirsch (or is it you kiss the women at the table...?)<BR>- scrape the crusted cheese off the bottom of the pot when you're done, it's the best part.<BR><BR>

xxx

Uh, sorry, that's scrape and EAT the crusted cheese... just scraping isn't the best of activities.

monique

Can a ceramic pot withstand the heat of the broth? I will probably never use the oil to cook meat. I can't seem to find a cast iron pot that I can ask someone to buy me for Christmas without feeling guilty about the price!

Wendy

I like my Bodum fondue with glass insert as it makes for super easy clean up. You may also want to check out Raclettes which is the traditional Swiss type. Swissmar makes both:<BR><BR>http://www.swissmar.com/swissproduct.shtml