Fully Fondue'd

It's one of those "lull" seasons where the holidays are long gone and we are left wondering "when is the next day off". Sure, some of you lucky ones will get to sleep in on President's day but most of us don't get to participate and are only left looking for the next excuse to celebrate with our friends. OR... maybe it's just me...
I have a great idea! Let's Fondue! Who doesn't love to eat? Who doesn't love to get together with friends? Who doesn't love to get together with friends and eat?
Why not throw your friends an impromptu Fondue party? It's easy...
Check out Crate and Barrel or Bed Bath and Beyond for an easy to buy, not so expensive, Fondue set.
Once you have the gear, it's time to head to the market and pick up a few items. Silly people, you can't fondue without the grub...

Here is a quick list of some things to buy:
-breads, i.e. french baguette or 7 grain loaf
-fruits, i.e. strawberries, melons or apples
-meats, i.e. cubed beef or chicken
-cheeses, anything cubed, goes in this category.
-Chocolate... dark is best.

oh wait. insert history lesson....Did you know that the concept of Fondue comes from the Swiss? It was their way to use up the spare rations as the winter season was winding down... i.e.... some Swiss wife looked in the pantry and pondered... "what do I cook tonight"....Fondue is a French word which means, to blend or melt. So some Swiss wife looks in the pantry, or similar, and says "ok, I have this, this and this. Hungry husband due home in 1/2 hour... what do I blend or melt together to make a hearty and filling meal for my man"...

ok back to preparations... Keep in mind that each guest will eat approximately 1-to 1 1/2 lbs of food. Everything should be bite size and you will want to prepare everything on the stove ahead of time. Use the "just purchased", fondue pot for looks only. It really is easier this way. Keep the Fondue pots on a low temperature. No more than 120 degrees, using tea lights or sternos. There are some great Fondue recipes on GoFondue.com

Provide lots of fondue forks or disposable skewers. Good Fondue etiquette is to keep the lips and tongues away... This is a dipping party and the dips are shared by others. I think you get the drift.

Other than providing the basic Fondue fun, be sure to keep the libations rolling. A nice selection of red or white wine will do the trick and have a few brews on hand for the manly men...

This party is really just an excuse to get the friends together. If you think about it, what else do you have to do between now and St. Patrick's day? Is St. Patty's day really an American holiday or are we just borrowing another excuse to celebrate?

Either way, have fun and enjoy this Swiss excuse on me.