I'm Fondue of You...

There are many reasons why fondue is a great choice to serve a date during the holiday season. It's quick, easy to prepare, and can vary from savory to sweet. It can be served as an appetizer before heading out for a movie, turn into a full meal, or become the perfect dessert to end an evening. Most important, it's cozy, fun, intimate, sexy, and delicious. This fondue fantasy will make your holiday dates festive and save time in the kitchen. Just use a traditional fondue pot (with a flame under it,) an electric fondue pot (my favorite since the heat can be controlled,) or a double boiler (to avoid having delicate mixtures such as chocolate and cheese burn.) Long forks, skewers or chopsticks do the trick for dipping, and feeding one another a nibble is the perfect way to say "I'm fondue of you."

Mushroom and Cheese Fondue with Ham and Country Bread Makes 2 servings

1 clove garlic, chopped

½ cup, plus 1 tablespoon dry white wine, such as Savignon Blanc

1 teaspoon cornstarch

8 ounces grated Gruyere cheese (about 2 packed cups)

8 medium-sized white mushrooms, chopped very fine

1 loaf crusty country or French bread, cut into 2" cubes

1 pound ½ inch thick cured ham slices, cut into 1" cubes

Place fondue pot onto stand, light candle or Sterno, or turn electric pot onto medium heat. Mix 1 tablespoon wine and cornstarch in small bowl. Bring remaining wine to simmer in fondue pot and add garlic. Put small portions of cheese into pot, stirring until melted. Add cornstarch mixture and mushrooms to pot. Bring to simmer and stir until fondue thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with black pepper. Serve with bread and ham for dipping.