Emmental Cheese Fondue Tasting
Dive into a pot of gloriously gooey Emmental cheese fondue! This Swiss tradition isn't just about the cheese, it's about the social experience. Just imagine a chilly Bern evening, a steaming pot among friends, and the luscious cheese waiting to swaddle chunks of bread. Every cheese string is a journey, every bite a gooey delight! The Swiss swear by a technique — swirling your morsel in a figure eight — to make sure it’s evenly coated. The experience is a must for dairy lovers exploring Bern!
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Who Should Try This Dish?
This dish is perfect for cheese lovers and anyone seeking to experience Swiss culture. If you enjoy communal dining where sharing and socializing enhances the meal, you'll love cheese fondue. It's ideal for friends and families looking for a cozy dining experience on a chilly evening in Bern.
Flavor Profile
Emmental cheese fondue is known for its creamy, rich texture and nutty flavors. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a velvety smoothness that envelops the bread. The taste is mildly tangy with a hint of sweetness, balanced by the warmth of white wine and the slight sharpness of garlic.
Things to Eat with It
Traditionally, Emmental cheese fondue pairs well with a variety of side dishes like pickles and cured meats, which offer a salty contrast to the richness of the cheese. A crisp white wine, such as a Swiss Fendant or a dry Riesling, is ideal, as it complements the melty cheese perfectly while adding refreshing acidity to cut through the creaminess.
What's in It?
- Emmental cheese: The star ingredient, known for its nutty flavor and smooth melting qualities.
- Gruyère cheese: Often combined with Emmental for a deeper flavor and a creamier texture.
- White wine: Helps to melt the cheese and brings a slight acidity, enhancing the flavor.
- Garlic: Adds depth and aroma to the fondue pot, creating a savory experience.
- Cornstarch: Stabilizes the cheese mixture, preventing it from separating as it melts.
- Kirsch (cherry brandy): A traditional ingredient that adds a subtle fruitiness and is often used as a final touch.
- Bread: Typically crusty, like a baguette, cut into cubes for dipping.
These ingredients work harmoniously to create a delightful communal dish that captures the essence of Swiss culinary tradition.
How It's Made
To prepare Emmental cheese fondue, start by rubbing the fondue pot with a clove of garlic for flavor. Then, melt a mixture of grated Emmental and Gruyère cheeses with white wine over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth. A bit of cornstarch mixed with the cheeses helps to achieve the perfect creamy consistency, followed by a splash of Kirsch for added flavor. Serve the hot cheese with bread cubes for dipping.