easy cheese fondue

Sometime after Cinderella came home to Prince charming and we rode off into the sunset together, there was an engagement. {We’ll have to save that story for later, because it’s pretty good, too.} This little chapter was filled with ridiculous ideals about what life would be, and full of fun parties thrown by fabulous friends.

At one of these parties, we were gifted a fondue set. For the record, she registered for it and just had to have it. She waited for it, and said it was at the top of her list. As soon as the gift was opened, visions of fondue parties with all our friends in our newlywed, stylin’ apartment danced in our heads. Oh the fun we would have for the decades to come entertaining and dipping various delicacies into cheese and chocolate delights.

We had a fondue pot. We were set.

I think we used that fondue set twice, maybe just once.

Married life is not likened to that on a movie set, and reality caught up with us. Kill the disco lights with cool music while reclining on pillows. What seemed like a good idea quickly became a cabinet filler. Our southern roots took over along with the offspring, and casseroles became the party staple… not fondue.

On occasion over the years, we entertained going to the Melting Pot, yet we never made it to the restaurant. One time I went so far as to make a reservation when we were in Atlanta celebrating our anniversary, only to cancel it, because I found a mini van for a good deal and {again cue reality} needed to go see it while we could. Yeah, that’s how I roll, trading the date in for a look at a new mini. Be jealous ladies.

Thus was the story of our cool fondue life.

Then recently, we were in Ohio on a work trip driving back to the hotel. Exhausted, starving and a little brain dead. It was 5 o’clock {most normal people don’t eat at 5, right?} and over the hill, there it stood: A fondue restaurant. It was calling out to us like beacon as we drove by. The irony was not lost on us.

Some words were exchanged and I’m not sure if either of us said we wanted to go, but the car soon found itself parked as we stumbled in and I uttered the phrase “Are you open yet?” It was 5:01, I didn’t want to assume.

And it was glorious and fun and everything our college selves had thought being fondue people should be. There was lots of laughter and fun and good food was devoured. I’m pretty sure Ashley almost fell asleep in the booth. Later that night, she reminded me about our own fondue set and thus the fondue dream of life with my amazing bride was reborn.

Yeah that’s a little over the top, but I’m making up for the mini van thing. Maybe I’m just ruining it for you altogether. Shhh.

So today we want to share a fun little recipe we cooked up, reminiscent of our recent experience.

It’s super simple, and if you don’t have a fondue set you can always use a double broiler or create one. So here’s what you will need.

For the cheese Dip: 

• 8 0z. sharp cheddar cheese • 4 oz. swiss cheese • 2-4 oz fresh salsa • half a jalapeno • 6 oz beer. (You can add more or less of the salsa and jalapeno to fit your taste.)

Tip on cheese: look for something with no vegetable oil so it melts nicely. That, and it’s just better that way.

Simply pour the beer into the pot and let it simmer. Then add in both cheeses. Continually stir as the cheeses melt then add in the salsa and jalapeno.

It’s that simple.

For dipping items, you can really use whatever you like, but green apples are amazing, they are a must try! We also used french bread, carrots, broccoli, asparagus and chips.

If you need us, You can find us reclining on pillows with our sophisticated friends. In our bellbottoms. With the disco ball. In the minivan.

Watching the football game.

We don’t get out much.

As always let us know if you try it! Have an inspired day!