Fondue Neuchateloise (Switzerland)

[nverland]

Fondue Neuchateloise (Switzerland)

½ lb (225 g) Gruyere cheese, shredded
½ lb (225 g) Emmentaler cheese, shredded
1 Tbs (15 ml) cornstarch (cornflour)
2 cups (500 ml) dry white wine (Neuchatel if possible)
1 clove garlic, peeled and bruised with the flat of a knife
2 Tbs (30 ml) kirsch (kirschwasser)
A grating of fresh nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 large crusty bread such as French or Italian, cut into
1-inch (3 cm) cubes

Toss the shredded cheeses and cornstarch together in a bowl
until thoroughly combined. Combine the wine and garlic in a
2-quart (2 L) fondue pot or any flame-proof dish and bring to a
boil over moderate heat. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes before removing
and discarding the garlic. Lower the heat so the wine barely
simmers and add the cheese mixture a handful at a time, stirring
constantly with a fork and letting each handful of cheese melt
completely before adding another. When all the cheese has been
added and the fondue is smooth, stir in the kirsch, nutmeg, salt,
and pepper. Place the fondue dish over an alcohol burner in the
center of the table and serve with cubed bread. Traditionally, each
diner spears a cube of bread with a long fondue fork and dips it
in the cheese mixture to coat it completely before eating. Fondue
aficionados know that allowing a crust of burned cheese to form
on the bottom of the pot results in a treat which some consider
the best part of the meal. Serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer, or 4 to
6 as a main dish.