April 11th
National Cheese Fondue Day

Fondue is a Swiss dish that involves dipping bite-sized pieces of food into a communal pot of melted cheese, chocolate, or other types of sauces. The word "fondue" comes from the French word "fondre," which means "to melt." In the classic Swiss cheese fondue, the melted cheese is typically made with a combination of Gruyere and Emmental cheeses, along with white wine, garlic, and other seasonings. The fondue is served in a communal pot called a caquelon, which is heated over a portable stove or candle. To eat fondue, diners use long-stemmed forks to dip small pieces of bread, vegetables, or fruits into the melted cheese, making sure to stir the pot regularly to prevent the cheese from clumping or burning. In chocolate fondue, which is often served as a dessert, diners dip fruits, cookies, or other sweets into a pot of melted chocolate. Fondue has become a popular dish in many parts of the world, and there are many variations on the classic Swiss recipe. Some variations include meat fondue, where diners dip pieces of raw meat into hot oil or broth to cook them, and Chinese hot pot, where diners cook various meats and vegetables in a communal pot of boiling water or broth.