New Year's Eve Cheese Fondue Recipe

Ingredients
1/2 pound shredded Swiss-style cheese such as Jarlsberg or Menthol ( 2 cups)
1/2 pound shredded Gruyere cheese ( 2 cups)
Note: (Equal mixtures of Appenzeller, Comté, Beaufort, or Tête de Moineshredded is also recommended)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved crosswise.
1 1/2 cups dry white wine (will also be served during the meal)
1 tablespoon kirsch (cherry brandy)
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch nutmeg

Dipping items
Cubed crusty French bread for dipping
Roasted potatoes

Sides
Pickled onions
French gherkins
Kalamata olives
Red pepper strips

Cooking Instructions
1. Place the shredded cheese and cornstarch in a plastic freezer bag. Seal, shake to coat the cheese with cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Rub the inside of a 4-quart pot with the garlic, then discard. Add wine to the pot and simmer over medium heat.
3. Gradually add small amounts of cheese and stir it into the wine. Stir constantly in a zig-zag pattern to prevent the cheese from seizing and balling up. Cook until the cheese is just melted and creamy. Do not let boil.
4. Once smooth, stir in Kirsch, pepper, mustard, and nutmeg.
5. Transfer the cheese to a fondue serving pot, set over a flame to keep warm.
6. Place the cubed bread and side items on decorative plates.
7. Spear cubed bread and other dipping items with fondue forks and dip into cheese mixture.
Makes 4 servings.

Fondue Tips, Etiquette & Traditions
Make sure you have enough Sterno cans to keep the fondue warm.
Always use top quality cheeses for better melting.
Never leave your fondue pot unattended.
Never allow your tongue or lips to touch the dipping fork as it is considered rude.
No double dipping, it is also considered rude.
Tradition says that if the item you're dipping comes off of your fork and you are woman, you must kiss the man to your left.
Tradition also says that if the item you're dipping comes off of your fork you must buy the next bottle of wine or schnapps.
Cold drinks are not usually served due to the high fat content. For a non-alcoholic drink try a warm mug of tea.

Guten Appetit!