Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

Several summers ago, Paula and I had the opportunity to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming where we attended Brad and Julia’s beautiful wedding. At the base of the Grand Teton mountains is the beautiful Teton Village within Jackson Hole. We stayed at the Alpenhof Lodge that reflects the European style Switzerland feel of the village. Within the lodge includes an Alps- inspired cuisine restaurant that served various types of fondue offerings. The menu consisted of Gruyère and Emmenthler cheeses blended with white wine, completed with kirschwasser, served with bread and apples. Or you could choose the traditional Swiss Cheese, Gruyère, Vacherin, Fribougeois blended with white wine and finished with Kirschwasser and served with bread and apples. Is your mouth watering yet? The blend of the various cheese selection was incredible. 

So, what is Fondue? Fondue is a common dish shared at the table heated over a small burner. Forks are used to dip bits of food (most often bread or staple foods such as meats, vegetables or fruit) into either delectable, melted cheese, oil, broth or chocolate (for dessert). This simple traditional meal allows guests to prepare their own feast and enjoy conversation and fun at the same time. While cheese fondue is the most widely known, meat and chocolate fondue are just as traditional, making a fun evening with friends and family unique and memorable

During the summer, we are always looking at what to serve our traveling guests that come to the area to visit. If you are looking for something unique to serve as you entertain, consider serving fresh fruits such as pineapple, strawberries, melon, or bananas with a chocolate fondue. Or serve a cheese fondue. Perhaps have a Fondue Happy Hour. Serve your favorite fondue with a glass of wine. You can also do a meat fondue with a base of either white or red wine. Maybe even bring it camping with you! Combine BBQ and fondue to offer an alternative this summer. 

At Compliments to the Chef, we carry cast iron fondues by the Swissmar company. The cast iron fondue sets offer the utmost in versatility. In addition to their décor savvy color pallet, they are ideal for meat, cheese AND chocolate fondue. Cast iron pots provide even heat distribution, making them ideal for cooking at both high and low temperatures - without hot spots. Another cool way to enjoy melted cheese is through the use of a raclette grill. A raclette grill is a tabletop appliance used to melt individual portions of cheese to enjoy with meat, bread, and vegetables. 

So, let’s get dipping this summer. Creating a cheesy fondue is perfect for summer grilling. Serve with grilled vegetables or slices of grilled baguette. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place to get the items you need to entertain this summer. Back to Jackson Hole Wyoming. We would recommend making a trip out there. We spent time in Yellowstone National Park and experienced the grandeur of the Teton mountains. Simply breathtaking.

Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen,”

Take Care, John & Paula