Fun-Do-mental of Fondue
A fondue is something that binds family members together. With a wide variety of fondues available across the cafes and dessert bars, many of us have dunked into the glory of the yummy malicious fondue at some point.
However, did you know this delicacy was born out of necessity and not merely for fun?
Fondue, which comes from the French “fondre”, meaning “to melt”, originated in 18th century Switzerland. It was meant for farm families to preserve and use their limited resources during the freezing winter months.
The Alpine villagers baked the bread only occasionally, so the bread was usually stale and dry. Dipping the bread in melted cheese softened it and made it palatable.
From then on, this dish has become a Swiss National Dish. Fondue now comes in many forms- savory, with cheese fondue, or meat -dipped in hot oil as well as sweet -made with chocolate.
Traditionally, fondue eating has been associated with some rules and etiquette.
Some rules are there so you don’t come off as rude, while the others are merely for fun. For example,
- One should not eat directly from the fork but should use the fork to transfer the soaked food onto the plate.
- One should never double dip a cube of bread, cake, or fruit.
- Only drink white wine or hot black tea with your fondue and never have a cold beer, water or coca cola. Rumour has it; it will cause the cheese to solidify into a hard ball in your stomach and cause discomfort.
If someone drops food into the pot, they need to buy the next round of drinks. Sometimes they may have to do the dishes. If a woman loses the food in the pot, she has to kiss the person to her left. (In that case, the seat selection would matter!)
With chilly winter nights just around the corner, you can now have some happy time with your friends and family the Swiss way.
