Monday, May 24, 2010

I can fondue, can you?



I can fondue, can you?


Yes, I'm being silly, but what better to celebrate moving into a new house than a glass of champagne? And why not add a little champagne fondue to the celebration? Fondue

isn't just for winter time. It's for party time.



For this fondue, I used Gruyère de Comté.

Gruyère de Comté is made from an old recipe, dating back to the reign of Charlemagne.

It comes in 70-pound wheels. It was created by local villagers in alpine dairies called “Fruiteries.” The aging process is not hurried. The reserved wheels are aged for one year, which results in a smooth, sweet, nutty flavor, satiny in texture with holes the size of hazelnuts.










Back to the party theme of this blog.


The fun part about fondue (and partying) is being with friends. Dipping, dripping, laughing.


As we head toward summer (yes, summer!), remember to spend time with a friend. Call one, write one, hug one.


And remember above all to share a good read with a friend (Julie's new one is out in less than two weeks).


Champagne Fondue


Ingredients:

12 oz. Jarlsberg cheese

1 cup dry {brut} champagne

2 garlic cloves, roasted

1 Tbs. lemon juice

2 Tbs. Triple Sec

1 Tbs. potato starch

½ tsp. nutmeg


Directions:

Crush garlic and place in foil. Seal and put in 250 degree oven for 30 minutes.


Meanwhile, shred Jarlsberg and set aside.


In a bowl, dissolve potato starch in Triple Sec. Add 2 Tbs. champagne. Stir.


Heat remaining champagne in fondue pot over medium heat.


Slowly add cheese and Triple Sec mixture. [This is a tasty little addition.] Stir, stir, stir.


Add nutmeg.


Remove garlic from foil and stir into cheese mixture.


Serve with cubes of crusty sourdough bread, dipping the bread into the cheese mixture.

[For gluten-free diners eating with regular folks, put your GF bread cubes on your plate and scoop a heaping portion of the cheese onto your bread. Then let the rest of the guests dip and sup.]


Enjoy!!!




Julie’s first book in the Manor of Murder Mystery series,
Grace Under Pressure (starred review in Publishers Weekly!), debuts June 1st! To help launch the book and to celebrate its release, she's running a very special contest: Pre-order Grace Under Pressure any time before May 31, 2010, and you're eligible to win a $25 gift certificate from Mystery Lovers Bookshop! (and if you've already pre-ordered, you just need to let Julie know!) No receipts required. Just email Julie at JulieHyzy@gmail.com with thedate that you pre-ordered and thename of the bookstore you ordered it from, and your name goes in! (Please put "CONTEST" in the subject header. Thanks!)

Here are a few helpful links to get you started:
Independent Bookstore List: here
- Mystery Lovers Bookshop (free shipping on book orders over $10!) - Centuries & Sleuths (Julie's local mystery bookstore)

And don't forget to check out my website: Avery Aames for fun stuff, tidbits, and upcoming contests. Only six weeks to the launch of The Long Quiche Goodbye.


12 comments:

  1. Great recipe for the summertime get-togethers. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your new house.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  2. I hope you celebrated your move this way! Sounds wonderful.

    ~ Krista

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  3. Yes indeed, what a way to celebrate your move and Julie's book with comte cheese and champagne. Cheers to you both,
    Sam

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  4. A fondue is so much fun and a long weekend is the perfect time to pop some bubbly :) Delicious recipe, Avery. Have a wonderful holiday weekend in your new home.

    ~ Cleo
    Coffeehouse Mystery.com
    Coffee Drawing LIVE today at 7 PM (Eastern)
    Cleo Coyle on Twitter

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  5. Thank you all for your sweet wishes! And yes, I did celebrate this way, amid boxes and dust and did I mention a twisted ankle? Yow! But I'm so blessed.

    ~Avery

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  6. Liquid cheese is the nectar of the gods ;)

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  7. Sounds good -- we're in our new home too. And as soon as the kitchen is done (ugh) I'll have to give this a try!

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  8. I'm raising my glass to your new home! Enjoy, Avery. And...I LOVE fondue. Thanks for sharing this.

    Riley/Elizabeth

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  9. Congrats Avery! I'm so excited for you and I'll raise a glass in your honor tonight, too! Love your celebration and thanks for sharing this fondue. What a wonderful way to share time with good friends and family!

    Julie

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  10. I do fondue, too. I can fondue in a car or in a bar. I can fondue near or far! LOL. Sorry, but you started it, Avery! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your post. So much fascinating info about the cheese and the recipe sounds delish! There is a bakery here that makes a killer olive loaf (pun intended), I am going to have to try it with your cheese fondue!

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