French Cheese and Onion Fondue

Warm, bubbly, and satisfying ... nothing could be better than this cheesy, flavorful fondue.

This is such a fun dish to make for a gathering or just a simple night at home with the family. I made it with two of my grand-girls awhile back and they went crazy over it. Had it recently as an hors d'oeuvre with friends and we ate every last bit. (Made it gluten-free by using a GF flour mix and serving with a GF baguette cut into chunks.)

French Cheese and Onion Fondue
(Serves 4 to 6.)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup beef stock
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 pound Gruyere cheese, rind trimmed and discarded, shredded
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or use a gluten-free flour mix for a GF dish)
• 1 tablespoon Cognac or brandy
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

French Cheese and Onion Fondue

In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until the onion is dark golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the wine, stock and vinegar and bring to a simmer.

In a medium bowl, toss the cheese with the flour. Stir the cheese into the saucepan, a handful at a time, stirring until melted before adding more. Allow the fondue to bubble lightly a few times, but do not bring to a boil. Stir in the Cognac and thyme. Season with the pepper.

Transfer the fondue to a cheese fondue pot and keep warm over a fondue burner. Serve immediately, with dipping ingredients of your choice.