30AEATS ? Cheese Fondue with a Valentine Cocktail

Cheesy Valentine Fondue!

Virtual Potluck has teamed up with Taste to serve up some delicious beverages to go along with our special Valentines menu. We will be participating in this event for three weeks and will be bringing you a plethora of menu choices to surprise your Valentine with! Maybe you just need an appetizer prior to going out to dinner, or only a dessert to follow. Maybe just the cocktail, or the whole shebang! Whatever your needs, Virtual Potluck has you covered!?

If you are not familiar,Taste is a mixology show that features clever cocktails from the creative minds at N8tion.com, an independent television and radio network founded by brothers Myron and Otis McDaniel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypmeXYv2wIE

The cool and clever bartender is Otis, who showcases his cocktail recipes. Virtual Potluck is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Otis on pairing libations with our Valentine dishes.

I have created a classic preparation of Cheese Fondue for this event, as it is incredibly romantic, and I happen to think it is the ultimate cheese lover?s comfort food! With February being named National Fondue Month, it is the best time of year to enjoy this delectable and hot indulgence.

Dipping Selections

Making fondue is easier than you think and it is very versatile: just add the beer or wine of your choice, your cheese selections, the proteins and seasonal veggies you want to dip, and melt those worries and winter blues away! My husband found my wine and cheese selections at Chans Wine World in Destin where Michele is always an invaluable resource to both of us. You ?really must stop by and meet him if in Destin. Chans Wine World serves an amazing lunch bistro style, and has wine and beer tastings often.

Dip Broiled Lobster!

Dip Grilled Filet!

Fondue is also fun to serve to your family if you are celebrating Valentine?s Day with the kids. They love to pick and choose what they will dip next, but just beware of the fondue forks, as they tend to be sharp and you won?t want any sword fighting at the table!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound imported Swiss Cheese, shredded
• 1/2 pound Gruyere, shredded
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cherry brandy, such as kirsch
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Pinch nutmeg

Optional Dipping Items on Skewers:

• Boiled baby new potatoes?in their skins, or quartered if large
• Lightly steamed broccoli florets
• Lightly steamed cauliflower?florets
• Lightly steamed asparagus
• Button mushrooms, wiped clean and stems removed
• Cubed smoked ham
• Cooked sliced hot sausage
• Long thick pretzel sticks
• Lightly toasted cubes French Bread
• Steamed lobster cut into bite size pieces
• Grilled beef filet cut into bite sized pieces

?This week?s participating VP blogs:

APPETIZER:?Tara at Foodie brings us?Herbed Smoked Salmon Mousse Cro?te? smoked salmon mousse on a grilled toast drizzled with white truffle oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Appetizer Drink:

Drink Name: Brandy Squirt

1 1/2 oz of Brandy
1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon of grenadine
Fill with Carbonated water

Shake with Ice and pour in Highball Glass

INTERMEZZO:? The Groovy Foody brings?Pomegranate, Beet Root and Blood Orange Savory Sorbet?served with goat cheese, thyme and crushed almonds.

Intermezzo Drink:

Drink Name: Cape Coder

1 1/2 oz of Rum or Vodka
3 oz of Cranberry Juice
1/2 oz of Lime Juice (if desired)
Fill with carbonated water

Stir in Old Fashion Glass with ice

ENTREE:?Susan at 30AEATS ?Brings a ?Creamy and Savory Cheese Fondue?served with bites of broiled lobster, grilled filet and seasonal vegetables for dipping.

Entree Drink

Drink Name: Florida Lemonade

2 oz of Whiskey
2 oz of Lemon Juice
2 oz of Lime Juice
1 Tablespoon of Powdered Sugar
1/4 Tablespoon Grenadine

Shake with ice pour in highball glass

DESSERT:?Theresa at Food Hunter?s Guide whips up a?Chocolate Mascarpone & Amaretto Layer Cake

Dessert Drink

Drink Name: Black Russian

2 oz of Vodka
1 oz of Kahlua

Served in Old Fashion glass with Ice and stir

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Source: http://30aeats.com/recipes/cheese-fondue-with-a-valentine-cocktail/

tom bradley penn state tom bradley penn state grace potter grace potter ryan mathews the band perry faith hill