Need a dinner party idea? Try fondue

If you and your friends have regular dinner parties, you know it takes a lot of planning to keep things interesting. After so many gatherings, the same foods and decor can get boring. However, if you're looking to spice up your next evening soiree, it's easy to achieve perfection by introducing fondue to the menu. You can save on supplies with an Artisanal Cheese promotion code, then use these tips for the perfect meal.

What is fondue? According to GourmetSleuth.com, the word "fondue" comes from the French word "fondre," which means "melt." The delicious dish originated in Switzerland back in the 18th century, when cheese and wine were staple foods. The original version of fondue mixed at least two varieties of cheese with wine and flour. The mixture was served from a pot called a "caquelon" and morsels of bread were speared on long forks for easy dipping.

Gruyere and Emmenthaler were the two most common types of cheese used. They were combined with dry white wine, which helped to melt the cheese and add flavor, reports the news source.

Back in the late 1960s and early 70s, fondue became a food fad that was enjoyed in many households. These days, there are a variety of different ways to make the dish, and there are also dessert fondue recipes that use chocolate rather than cheese. A ChocolateSource.com promotion code for 10 percent off of your order could come in handy if you attempt to create a dessert fondue.

Fondue etiquette Because fondue is served in a communal pot, there are certain etiquette rules that apply, suggests GourmetSleuth.com. To eat fondue, you spear a piece of bread, fruit or vegetable and dip it into the sauce. You and your guests should twirl the fork around gently to coat the entire piece of food, then let the excess drip off into the pot before putting it in your mouth. This will prevent a mess and allow the hot fondue to cool before you eat it.

When you put the piece of fondue-coated food in your mouth, try not to let the fork touch your mouth. You may want to give your guests regular dining forks to take the food off of the fondue forks, so they won't have to worry about "double-dipping."

Other types of fondue Aside from cheese and chocolate fondue, there are also broth and oil fondues, which cook the morsels of food that are dipped into the pot. In broth fondues, food is cooked in simmering broth, which can be vegetable- or meat-based. In oil fondues, the pot essentially becomes a deep-fryer, which can cook meat, seafood and vegetables. A variety of dipping sauces are often used to accompany the food, since the oil itself doesn't count as a sauce. A FoodSaver promotion code could get you discounts on your choice of dips. You might want to dry-battering the vegetables and seafood before dipping them, as this can seal in the juices.

What to dip Once you decide what kind of fondue you want to serve at your dinner party, figure out what foods will be dipped. You could try the traditional pieces of bread - just make sure to use a crusted type, which will help the pieces stay on the fork. For oil or broth fondues, vegetables like carrots, potatoes, turnips and asparagus are all viable options. Cut them into bite-sized morsels for easy dipping. Meatballs, chicken cutlets, sausage, fish and shrimp can also make great dippers. It all depends on what your guests would prefer.

Keep reading with: Why These After Christmas Sale Items Can't be Ignored