Keeping fondue warm
It’s chilly out. Fondue time!
I have no problem making fondue, but keeping it warm for my guests has presented a little bit of a problem. My proposed solution is to scoop the fondue into an enameled cast iron pot on a trivet, warmed by a tea candle or two.
Do you think this would keep my fondue at the right consistency?
Best Answer
I have a setup similar to what you're proposing, except made for fondues. It works very well, except it is set up for 4 tea candles. 1 or 2 is not sufficient unless you have a very small pot or eat very quickly. 4 candles keeps it at the right temperature for ~1.5 hours. Using a cast iron pot is also optimal since they retain heat so well. If you're preparing a fondue fairly quickly I would recommend preheating the pot in the oven to make sure it's warm through before starting.
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Quick Answer about "Keeping fondue warm"
Ideally, all chocolate and dessert fondues should be melted on the top of a double boiler, never over direct heat, before being placed into the fondue pot for serving. A small amount of heat is required to keep dessert fondue warm in the fondue pot, it is best to use a candle.Can you make fondue ahead of time and reheat?
Make AheadThe fondue can be refrigerated overnight and reheated in a microwave oven, or on the stove over low heat.Can fondue be made ahead of time?
Cheese fondue can be made 1 day in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over a double boiler, adding additional white wine as needed to thin the fondue and reach the right consistency.How do you keep fondue from drying out?
Do add acid. When making fondue, add a dry white wine or lemon juice for acidity (portions may vary depending on the recipe). This step helps keep the cheeses creamy and smooth. a splash of acid in the mix binds to the calcium in the cheese, while also diluting to preventing the proteins from clumping up.How do you keep fondue from melting?
Adding a little cornstarch also helps bind the cheese with the liquid. Either add 1 tablespoon for each pound of grated cheese at the beginning or blend 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in with a little kirsch once the cheese is melted. Since fondue toughens as it sits, don't make it wait. And do savor that first bite.How to Use a Burner in a Fondue Set : Fondue Recipes
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Answer 2
A small fuel burner like this would work great:
https://www.amazon.com/Swissmar-KF-63011-Fondue-Burner/dp/B000UM2X76
Both the implement and the fuel are pretty cheap.
Otherwise a portable burner, either electric or gas is great and you can use your regular pots and pans:
https://www.amazon.com/Courant-Electric-Countertop-Hotplate-Portable/dp/B07CZ67Y7Y/
If you eat a lot of fondue, a dedicated fondue maker is my implement of choice:
https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CFO-3SS-Electric-Fondue-Maker/dp/B00018RR48
Gas ones are pretty common in thrift shops too.
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