Fondue

Several different types of fondue exist, the most notable of which is cheese fondue. This is a Swiss specialty in which cheese is melted along with wine, eggs and seasonings, and later served with bread and fresh vegetables. Fondue Bourguignonne is a pot of hot oil into which diners cook strips of meat and then dip them in an array of sauces.

Fondue Chinoise is quite similar; the only difference is that instead of hot oil, a rich chicken or meat broth is used to cook the meat or fish, which are also dipped in sauces. The Japanese have a dish called shabu, which is similar to this type of fondue. Named after the swishing sound the meat makes in the broth, this dish is also served with vegetables and noodles. A chocolate fondue is a chocolate bath, flavored with liqueur and eaten with bread and fruits such as fresh berries.

All these dishes are eaten as much for their social benefits as for their culinary excellence. Their popularity in the US has diminished over the past 15 years, now seen mostly at ski resorts and private dinner parties.