What role does alcoholic liquid play in cheese fondue recipes?
Pretty much every recipe I've seen for cheese fondue includes either white wine (sometimes alongside kirsch/brandy) or some kind of beer in the delicious cheesy sauce.
Why is the added liquid (seemingly) always alcoholic - as opposed to adding, say, water? Is it because beer or wine complements the other flavors in the fondue, or because milk proteins are alcohol soluble so it achieves the desired consistency? Or is there some other reason that combines those two explanations (or presents a different one entirely)?
Best Answer
The advertised reason is that the alcohol will cut some of the protein chains resulting in a fondue that is dippable and not so stringy. Obviously the alcoholic beverage of choice will also add a lot of cheese-compatible flavor as well.
Fondue recipes that don't include alcohol universally call for acid to achieve a similar effect.
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What does alcohol do in fondue?
Wine, in the case of the classic recipe, adds flavor and keeps the cheese from becoming stringy because the wine is so acidic. Alcohol also maintains a lower boiling point, which helps the cheese from curdling.Why does cheese fondue Need wine?
Wine is one of fondue's few essential ingredients, and its importance goes beyond just flavor: the natural tartaric acid in wine prevents the cheese's casein proteins from clumping together and turning the fondue into a stringy, broken mess.Does the alcohol cook out in fondue?
If alcohol is the issue then most of the alcohol from the wine will have cooked out by the time the fondue is ready and the kirsch could be omitted - just toss the grated cheese with the cornflour (cornstarch) before adding it to the fondue pot. Alternatively you could use a dry non-alcoholic white wine or light beer.Why is brandy used in fondue?
Bourbon, Brandy or Cognac are great additions for fondueAnything alcoholic with a liquid consistency, a hint of fruity flavor, and that doesn't have too much of a sweet aroma is perfect for cheese melt heaven!What to drink with a Swiss cheese fondue
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