National Cheese Fondue Day
April 11th is National Cheese Fondue Day!
National Cheese Fondue Day is a day to honor one of the most beloved Swiss dishes, cheese fondue.
A delicious and communal dish that brings friends and family together, Cheese fondue has become a global favorite, and on this day, people indulge in this cheesy delight with their loved ones.
History of National Cheese Fondue Day
National Cheese Fondue Day has its roots in Switzerland, where cheese fondue has been a staple dish for centuries. In the early 1900s, Swiss cheese makers began promoting cheese fondue as a way to increase cheese consumption in the country.
Cheese fondue gained popularity worldwide in the 1950s and 1960s, thanks to the Swiss Cheese Union’s marketing efforts. In 2018, the Swiss Cheese Union declared April 11th as National Cheese Fondue Day, and since then, it has been celebrated every year.
More than just fondue
National Cheese Fondue Day is more than just a celebration of a delicious dish. It is a reminder of the importance of communal dining and the pleasure of sharing food with friends and family.
Fondue is a communal dish that brings people together, encouraging conversation and a sense of closeness. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the unique flavors of Swiss cheese and the skill of cheese makers who produce some of the world’s finest cheeses.
Celebrating NCF Day
This cheesy day is celebrated in various ways, including hosting fondue parties, visiting restaurants that serve fondue, and trying new recipes.
Cheese shops often offer discounts on their cheese selection, and some even offer free tastings. Many restaurants and cafes offer special cheese fondue menus, making it an excellent opportunity to explore different cheese and wine pairings.
Making Cheese Fondue at Home
Making cheese fondue at home is easy and can be a fun activity for families and friends. All you need is a fondue pot, some good quality cheese, bread, and a few other ingredients.
Here’s a simple recipe for cheese fondue:
Ingredients:
- 1 garlic clove, halved
- 1 1/2 cups of grated Swiss cheese
- 1 1/2 cups of grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 cup of dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of Kirsch
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Cubed bread, vegetables, and fruit for dipping
Instructions:
- Rub the inside of the fondue pot with the garlic halves.
- In a bowl, mix the grated cheeses and cornstarch.
- Pour the white wine into the fondue pot and heat over medium heat.
- Add the cheese mixture to the pot and stir constantly until the cheese melts and becomes smooth.
- Add the lemon juice, Kirsch, nutmeg, and black pepper to the cheese mixture and stir.
- Serve the cheese fondue hot with cubed bread, vegetables, and fruit for dipping.
National Cheese Fondue Day is a celebration of one of the world’s most popular and beloved dishes. It is a day to indulge in the cheesy goodness of fondue and appreciate the communal aspect of the dish.
Cheese fondue brings people together, encouraging conversation, laughter, and a sense of closeness. It is a reminder that food is not just about nourishment but also about socializing and bonding with others. On National Cheese Fondue Day, people can celebrate by hosting fondue parties, visiting restaurants, and trying new cheese and wine pairings.
