December 27, 2019
We’ve probably all heard of fondue, but how many of us have actually tried to make it, or even wondered where it came from? The holidays are a perfect time to try fondue for the first time, or to experience it again, particularly because fondue is a meal that’s best served to big groups. Everyone can cook their own foods and graze at their leisure. And of course, fondue promotes sitting at the dinner table for hours, nibbling tasty morsels, sipping great wine and enjoying company.
While many people think fondue is only a cheese dish, the truth is there’s a few options for a fondue meal, but it did all start with the cheese…
Swiss Cheese and Fondue Origins
That delicious pot of melting cheese that everyone loves goes way back to the 18th century, where farm families in the Swiss Alps used limited resources, such as aged cheese and stale bread, to survive the winter.
Fondue, deriving from the French verb fondre, meaning "to melt," is a traditional Swiss dish, which typically combines Emmentaler and/or Gruyere cheese and wine, melted in a communal pot. A cherry brandy called Kirsch is added to the mixture, which becomes a dip for pieces of stale bread and crusts. Even though fondue has rural roots, now it is considered the Swiss national dish and is a symbol of Swiss identity. And a popular party meal!
Fondue is traditionally made and served in an earthenware pot known as a caquelon. This wide pot is preferred as it heats evenly and prevents the cheese from thickening. Bread is swirled into the bubbling cheese for a few seconds to coat the bread and make it softer. Rather than cleaning up melted cheese from the bottom of the pot, the last layer is left to cook until a dark crust forms. This crust is called the religieuse, and when chipped away from the pan is served at the end of the meal and is considered a delicacy.
What to Put in Your Cheese Fondue
Even though cheese, wine, and garlic are the basic ingredients in Swiss fondue, some recipes call for the addition of herbs, paprika, cayenne, nutmeg, mustard, and occasionally tomato. The bread should be of a sturdier variety and can be either white or brown, cut into bite-sized chunks for dipping. Sometimes potatoes, cornichons, and pickled pearl onions can be served as well.
What Drinks to Pair with Cheese Fondue?
When it comes to drinks, white wine, or a glass of kirsch are considered the best drinks to accompany the fondue, but Co-op Wine Spirits Beer sommelier Mike Roberts says cheese fondue is best with Swiss Wine, like Quails Gate Chasselas, a Swiss grape variety.
Different Types of Fondue
With its growing popularity all over the world, fondue was soon applied to other dishes that involved one common pot from which everyone can eat. One popular version is Fondue Bourguignonne, a pot of hot oil, ready for cooking raw meat such as beef or chicken. Each person can cook meat to their style of doneness, and the meat is usually accompanied with different dipping sauces.
The lighter version of meat fondue, Fondue Court Bouillon, has its origins in Asia, and instead of cheese or oil, the liquid is substituted with broth. Broth fondue is usually served with thin slices of meat: beef, pork, lamb, or chicken. You can also serve small pieces of seafood or fresh vegetables.
Roberts recommends a beef broth fondue be served with a nice darker beer style, like Wild Rose Barracks Brown or if wine is your preference, look for Tinhorn Creek Merlot at your local Co-op Wine Spirits Beer store.
Dessert Fondue
Chocolate fondue or dessert fondue was an American invention in the mid-20th century. To make it, a small amount of cream is brought to a simmer and mixed up with chocolate. Usually, it is served with fresh fruit, butter cookies, and pound cake for dipping. Try your dessert fondue with a Moscato D’Asti by Beni di Batasiolo, or ask your local sommelier for their recommendations.
What Do You Need For The Perfect Fondue Party?
Hosting a fondue party is always fun, but things can go wrong if you don't own proper equipment for the type of fondue you are serving.
If you decide to make cheese fondue, you will need equipment that uses adjustable alcohol or gel fuel burner to maintain the constant temperature required to keep melted cheese from solidifying again. The cheese fondue pots are made of ceramic or earthenware, have a flat bottom, and have large openings to accommodate dipping.
Hot oil fondue pots must be able to resist high temperatures in order to fully cook your meat. They are made of stainless steel, copper or cast iron. In this case, ceramic pots are not suitable.
Chocolate or dessert fondue pots are smaller and use a tealight to keep the melted chocolate at the right temperature and are made of earthenware, ceramic, or porcelain.
In recent years, electric fondue pots have become really popular. Most of them can be used for all types of fondue as the temperature can be modified.
Besides the right fondue pot, you will need a few more things in order to have a perfect fondue party:
Why not make this the year you throw an epic fondue party? Raise a glass and try our tips and share this historic dish with family and friends.
While we may not get to spend the holidays physically together, we can at least share the moment virtually.
There is nothing quite like the perfect cocktail to set the mood for the holidays.
Co-op Wine Spirits Beer Sommelier Coordinator Katherine Mindach has some advice for cooking with alcohol:
This holiday season one of our favourite ways to feed family, friends and folks is to set up a grazing station and let everyone nibble...
One of the saddest consequences of the pandemic is the fact that it keeps us far from our friends.
Wine and cheese are natural pairs. Getting together over a glass of wine, and having something to nibble on that’s light and tasty, salty and...
There’s something about the holidays that lets us all feel like we can indulge.
Thanksgiving may look a little different this year. If you’re able to get together with family this year or you’ve got a safe bubble you’re...
For more than 30 years, Viña Montes has been producing luxury wines from Chile and exporting them to customers worldwide.
Everyone’s in search of the perfect cold, crushable summer patio beer. This year, you’ll find it only at Co-op Wine Spirits Beer!
Anyone who’s ever tried to name someone or something knows the decision can be fraught with challenges.
We’ve all heard that you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover—or a wine by its label, but how many of us have...
Canmore's Grizzly Paw Brewing Company is one of the original breweries in the Alberta Rockies.
Plenty of people make home brewed beer, but how many build and engineer their own brewing equipment to get it just right, or solder their...
Normally at this time of year, we’d all be shaking out our western duds and getting ready for that great annual outdoor show where we...
Many of us dream about quitting our corporate jobs, moving to the country and living off the land.
Throwing a western-style BBQ to make up for the cancellation of the greatest outdoor show in Calgary? You need just the right cold drinks to...
Summertime is when many of us turn from drinking those warm, bold and cozy reds, so something lighter and more refreshing.
Spring is a time for rebirth, regeneration and of course for kicking back and enjoying the outdoors.
What would make someone give up a reliable career, steady paycheck, and predictable routine, for a mountain of hard work, years of planning, and some...
When we think of the world’s wine regions, France, Italy, Spain, South America and California come to mind.
Sampler or mixed packs are a great way to try different beer, without the commitment of buying a full case.
It’s probably not surprising that a lot of Albertans aren’t familiar with the Alsace wine region of France.
Many of us are wondering if our favourite places like restaurants and cafes will still be around once the COVID-19 pandemic finally releases its grip...
Wild Rose Brewery is a Calgary institution, established in 1996 and occupying space in an old Air Force hangar on the site of the former...
Co-op Wine Spirits Beer sommeliers are happy to introduce the latest offering in The Social Collection wine lineup.
Easter celebrations may look a little different this year, but whether you’re putting together an Easter dinner for immediate family or looping in friends via...
The Irish know how to celebrate! While Canadians do pour a few drinks on Canada Day, our national occasion pales in comparison to the worldwide...
It was back in 2002 that Mill Street Brewery opened in Toronto’s historic Distillery District, an aging but rebounding neighbourhood that used to house all...
It’s hard to please everyone, but when it comes to beer, it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Though it may not be as well-known globally as the Bordeaux region of France or Tuscany in Italy, British Columbia has a dynamic, diverse, and...
If you pass by the shelf, it’s a bottle that immediately catches your eye among all the dark glass standing sentinel among the rows.
For some folks, Valentine’s Day is considered an old fashioned and possibly outdated celebration.
If you or anyone in your family is a die-hard football fan, you’re likely already planning for the biggest game of the year.
As those holiday bills start rolling in, many of us are feeling like a thrifty January is a smart way to go.
Light beer has a bad reputation. For many years it was known as a watery, largely tasteless pseudo-beverage, for those worried about their weight.
The holidays, or other times of celebration, are usually when we turn our eyes to Champagne.
The holidays can be an overwhelming time of year. Between gift buying, trip planning, gift wrapping and holiday gatherings, there is barely any time to breathe.
Let’s admit it—for many of us, one of the exciting things about the holidays is the opportunity to share fun and festive drinks with friends.
As you’re working away at your holiday shopping list, there’s always a few folks who are hard to buy for.
When you’re planning a special meal, you want everything to be just right.
There is something so festive and satisfying about enjoying cheese and wine at parties.
Hosting an at-home wine tasting is a great way to gather your friends over the holidays and do something fun and memorable.
If you’re tasked with making a dish for a holiday potluck, you might be wondering if you should bring the same old tired spinach dip.
You have to admit there’s something especially festive about the idea of baking cookies around the holidays.
Are you the planner in your family or at the office? If you’re just not up for being the host or the organizer again this...
The holidays are just around the corner and in today’s globetrotting society, so many of us live far away from our families and friends.
If you’re the type of person who throws awesome holiday parties you’ll want to make sure your supplies are in order.
Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift idea that keeps giving year round? Consider gifting your special someone or valued employee a Vin Bin at Co-op Wine...
Looking for a little something different? Want a beverage that feels a little festive this holiday season? Fallentimber Meadery has some extra special offerings that...
Harvest is that time of year when we reap the rewards of what we’ve sown over the past season.
Our sommeliers are thrilled to share that The Social Collection wines, a Co-op Wine Spirits Beer exclusive, have recently made headlines for their award winning taste.
It’s one of the flavours of fall: fresh-off-the-vine, sun-ripened pumpkin, baked into pies, stirred into soups, added to lattes and yes, even brewed into beer.
If you’ve ever seen the wine flick Sideways, you’ll know there are two wines that are pitted against each other; Pinot Noir and Merlot.
While many of us might have that dream of running away and buying a winery, it actually takes a tonne of work and many years...
Many of us enjoy a cold beer now and again. But if pressed, do you think you could name a handful of beers in a...
You'd think a winery with a name like Red Rooster might have a feathery mascot on site, ready to crow the arrival of visitors.
Canmore's Grizzly Paw Brewing Company is one of the original breweries that sprung up in the heart of Alberta.
Everyone assumes the bright lights and allure of Hollywood would be a major draw and an enticing career.
You’ve got to respect a person who’s not afraid to air their own dirty laundry.
It’s not unusual for home brewing to become a gateway into owning and operating a brewery.
Sword fighting isn’t usually a trait you’d associate with a wine entrepreneur. But Joseph Luckhurst is different from a lot of wine guys.
What's a dandy, exactly? If you looked it up in the dictionary, you'd see this:
When he was born, Graham Nordin's father bought a case of port that bore the same name he'd just bestowed upon his son.
A caravel is a sailing ship common in the 15th to 17th centuries in Europe.
You know you’re in for something different when the conversation turns from beer to something called a ‘reverse mullet’.
You may think naming a winery after the process of oxidizing decay is a bad idea.
If you were in Calgary in 1988, you’ll no doubt remember the spirit of the Olympics and how it brought the city together.
Red wine drinkers need some refreshment too!Let’s face it, the vast majority of Albertans love the big, bold, full throttle reds most of the year...
Whether you consider yourself a collector, connoisseur, or just someone who wants to learn more about wine, Co-op Wine Spirits Beer's new World of Wine...
Rosé wine seems less pretentious than white or red wine. You rarely hear anyone—even wine professionals—alienate others by going on and on about how pink...
It’s the image many Canadians have when it comes to imagining the Rockies; tall, snow-capped peaks, lush, steep-sided valleys, and icy streams trickling the freshest...
If the last rosé you had was called white zinfandel, it’s time to get re-acquainted.
You’ve likely heard about the folks who dreamed of one day owning a winery, and end up buying one on a whim, with little to...
When your day to day job involves working in one of the world’s most dangerous countries, dodging bullets and insurgents while riding around in armoured...
A beer label is a lot like a book cover; you can’t prejudge what’s inside, but a great front can definitely entice you to pick...
There's probably many a beer lover that has dreamed of having their own brewery.
For some toddlers, learning how to say ‘butterfly’, or ‘banana’ might be a feat. But Dave Carson taught his three-year-old son some decidedly more complex words.
Some folks make Sunday dinner. For Adam Nachbaur, his weekend tradition has been making Sunday beer.
Justin Hall knows the wine business from the ground up. As Winemaker for Nk’Mip Cellars in B.C., he’s had his fair share of experiences in...
It’s kind of hard to imagine today, with a computer in every pocket, but back when Canada was still a baby, the railroad was Canada’s lifeline.
Have you ever hidden something away, saving it for just the right moment? Whether it’s a birthday present purchased in anticipation of a milestone age,...
You already know Co-op Wine Spirits Beer as the place you can pick up everything from a great Wednesday wine, to a special celebratory bottle.
When Uncommon Cider set out to make an Alberta-centric cider they knew they wanted to be unique, and keep their focus on western Canadian ingredients.
There’s a scene in the cartoon food film Ratatouille where the protagonist rat is tasting flavours; strawberries and cheese.
The TV is tuned, the snacks are set out and those Superbowl commercials are just about to hit their stride.
Calgary’s economy has created some unique challenges over the last few years.
B.C. has some of Canada’s best wine growing territory. Summerhill Estate Winery has been growing grapes and producing wines in British Columbia since 1991.
There are dedicated craft beer types who speak in hops, and judge their beer in IBUs.
We love cocktails that give people unexpected, but pleasant surprises. Using champagne, sparkling wine or prosecco is a perfect way to set a festive tone...
Hockey fans know Mario Lemieux for many reasons. The hockey great’s best game was also one that was voted one of the greatest hockey moments...
On the side of a brewery, you fully expect to see the word ‘brewers’, but entering Calgary’s Legend 7 Brewing, you can tell it’s going...
Sure, wine is great by itself, but did you know you can also use it to create delicious cocktails that you and all of your...
Sometimes there's too much choice. If you're popping into Co-op Wine Spirits Beer on your way home, maybe it happens that you want to try...
Need a bottle of wine to bring to a holiday celebration, dinner or the office holiday wine pool? Don't just pick up something cheap, or familiar.
They may be best known for their 11 brewpub restaurants across Alberta, but Brewsters is also a longstanding brewery, turning out numerous local craft beers.
It’s cup season and what goes better with football, than beer? If you’re gathering friends for the game, why not take advantage of the power...
When it comes to the international wine industry, you might assume that wine makers from all over thew world are aching to move to France...
It may seem odd for a family to take on a business where the workers could kill you.
Since we skipped fall and went straight to winter, nesting has become a priority for many of us.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get together with family and friends, and while there’s always lots of catching up to do, once that’s over,...
So many wine drinkers dream of running away from their dull daily lives and starting a winery.
It's no secret Calgary's craft brewing scene is growing. New breweries and distilleries are opening all the time, and in the quest for better beer,...
Summer is in full swing and patios, terraces, and backyards are the entertainment venue of choice.
When you come across a beer called Hijacked IPA, you might assume it gets its name from market research, or the future ability to craft...
The Calgary Stampede is many things; officially it's a chance to take in the rodeo and celebrate community spirit through shows, rides, events, and pancake breakfasts.
You don't have to remember Bob and Doug Mackenzie to know that beer is Canada's drink.
Mark MacDonald was working as a mechanical engineer in Alberta's oil patch when he and his brother rather randomly decided to get each other home...
In a nondescript industrial area in southwest Calgary is a brewery you could call experimental.
There are beers, and then there are summer beers. You know them; a bit lighter, crisper, cooler and more refreshing than average.
Now that the mercury seems like it’s finally climbed over the freezing mark for the season (famous last words) it’s time to start thinking about...
Baseball season is officially underway, having just transitioned from spring training to the regular season.
There's something so summery about Rosé. This wine which ranges from blush to raspberry-hued evokes the colour of garden blooms, dusky summer sunsets and fresh...
Do you find wine enjoyable, but intimidating? With wine regions spanning the globe, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices out there.
Easter is when families spend time together and often share a big meal.
For many Canadians, St Patrick’s Day is an excuse to wear green, while kids cut shamrocks from paper and fashion cardboard leprechaun hats.
Co-op Wine Spirits Beer is more than just a store. It’s an experience. Shop here and you’ll get education, assistance, and great customer service.
The Academy Awards or the Oscars are known as the biggest night in Hollywood.
February may seem like the dead of winter, but it's actually a month of wonderful celebrations.
It's the sporting event that outdoes all other sporting events — with the possible exception of the World Cup of soccer, some might say.
It's resolution time! And if yours is to make smarter choices and maybe cut back on some vices, we've got some ideas when it comes...
The food is picked out, your place is all set up, you even have a sweet playlist ready.
With so much activity going on in the house, so many people to entertain, and so many timers and buzzers and pots to watch, the...
Pinot Noir is said to be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding grapes to grow.
‘Tis the season of seasonal beer! Traditionally, winter brings with it darker, more bitter, and a bit sweeter beers, similar to the rich foods we...
Many visitors to our stores are unaware of the world of champagne alternatives for every taste and budget, because champagne has become a catch-all term...
What does a gift card, a rare bottle of scotch, and a taster pack of beer all have in common? They all make great gifts,...
Handling all the drinks for your holiday party can be daunting.
It’s a local brewery that has brought international attention to Alberta’s craft beer market.
There is nothing better to sip on during the cold festive season than a warm glass of mulled wine.
Blindman Brewing was born out of a shared vision to brew the best beer in Alberta, while at the same time, introducing local beer drinkers...
Serendipity. That’s how Village Brewery’s co-founder, Jim Button describes how the local craft brewery came to be.
Hard apple ciders aren’t just for the British anymore, they’re steadily gaining popularity right here in Canada.
As the nights get a little cooler and you begin to reach for a sweater for the first time in a while, you may notice...
Oktoberfest or the “Volksfest” is a beer festival that dates back to 1810 and starts around mid-September through the first weekend in October and draws...
Whether it’s their award-winning Syrah or a unique blend from their small lots program, Sandhill Estate Vineyard does not disappoint.
Prosecco is one of my all-time favourite beverages to sip on in the summer, or anytime of the year for that matter.
There’s nothing better to sip on in the sun than a crisp, cold glass of Rosé wine.
It’s been about a year since Half Hitch Brewing Company sold its very first batch of beer.
We all know that certain types of wine complement certain types of food – but what about beer?
This week, Canadians will celebrate the 150th anniversary of our dominion formation, when the country established its confederation in 1867.
As the end of our journey exploring Canada’s bounty of alcoholic beverages draws near, we want to go out with a splash.
It's known as Canada's left coast and if you've spent any time out there you'll know B.C. has a whole different vibe.
Canadians will be celebrating our great nation’s sesquicentennial as we mark 150 years of Confederation.
As we explore all the different ways to toast Canada’s 150th, the wines of BC loom large, and for very good reasons.
We’ve got the rolling prairies, the towering Rockies and a reputation for being the friendliest province in the country.
150 years ago Canada had about 150 breweries, which meant Canada’s 3.5 million people had lots of options to celebrate the birth of our nation.
How about something a little out of the ordinary to toast Canada’s 150th – wine from Alberta.
When it comes to beating the heat of the summer we can rely on some tried, tested and trusted wine styles to keep our palates...
When we think of the Prairies, we think rolling hills, miles upon miles of wheat, soybeans or corn blowing in the wind and a horizon...
It’s a story of determination, camaraderie, and a serious love of brewing beer.
In this year of celebrating 150 years of our great nation, we will pause and reflect on many things that make our nation great. Like hockey.
For some, it's the de facto centre of the universe for Canada, but others cast a more wary eye on Ontario, which can often be...
The perfect way to celebrate Canada’s birthday? With reds and whites of course.
It's fair to say that the craft beer industry in North America has exploded over the past decade.
Canadians have a great reputation both at home and abroad, as a peaceful nation, with a polite population (“sorry” for everything), hockey crazy, and beer loving.
Quebec plays a starring role in Canada’s history (some of Canada’s earliest settlements were Quebec City in 1608, and Montreal in 1642).
Some of the most famous 'Canadian' foods have their origins in La Belle Province.
In 1867, Canada became a country with four provinces; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.
When the world’s largest ice cubes float past your door each day, you might have a different outlook on life, and cocktails.
There is a long-standing tradition on Canada's East Coast. When there's a celebration to be had, Maritimers throw a kitchen party or ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee).
On July 1st Canada marks the 150th Anniversary of Confederation, where the British Colonies, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia joined in one Dominion.
There’s no denying that craft beer has exploded in popularity over the past five years.
Did you know that brewing beer was at one time a woman’s job, not a mans? In fact, in ancient Egypt beer was traditionally brewed...
It's time to break out the bubbly at Co-op. Mike Roberts, Co-op's Sommelier Manager was the overall winner at the city's annual Iron Sommelier Competition,...
Syrah or Shiraz great for the Grilling Season.
Just like your mother always told you, “There are some words that are simply inappropriate to use.”
Pairing with tricky food styles doesn't have to put a halt to a great food and wine experience.
Are you feeling confused and mystified by all the "rules" of food and wine pairing? Let us help with our hints and tips.
Gluten free has typically meant that beer was no longer an option.
Confused about all the different types of beer? This is an easy guide to a couple of the common types.
Learn a little bit more about how to cook and pair different foods with beer.
Wine and chocolate can be paired together to create a perfect harmony in your mouth, but when pairing it is important to keep in mind...
Comments