More tasty recipes made with honey, our liquid gold!

As most of you know, I subscribe to the National Honey Board and I received their monthly newsletter with some tasty recipes that I would like to pass on to you!

Enjoy!

Rekindling Your Relationship with Fondue
February, 2011

What used to be a thing of the past is now resurfacing as a hot trend. Fondue evokes a sense of specialness, decadence, fun and romance. What could be better than bread, fruit, meat, or anything for that matter, drenched in a delicious, gooey dipping sauce?! If we’re being totally honest, the fondue is definitely the star – the food being dipped is just a vehicle to get the fondue onto your taste buds and into your belly!

This Valentine’s Day, instead of waiting in long lines for reservations and sharing your special day with strangers in a restaurant, why not make warm fondue at home for your honey? These recipes will show you how easy, fun and versatile this delicious dip can be! From sweet to savory, honey adds the perfect flavor note for fondue that will please any palate. Enjoy!

Honey Champagne Fondue
(makes 2 servings)

• 16 oz. Swiss or Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup shallot, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1-1/4 cups brut (dry) champagne, or sparkling wine
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• Pinch nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Toss cheese with cornstarch and dry mustard to coat; reserve. In a heavy pan or fondue pot, over medium heat, melt butter. Saute shallot and garlic until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add champagne and bring to a boil. Slowly add reserved cheese mixture, a little at a time, stirring constantly, until cheese melts. Stir in honey and lemon juice; stir until smooth and continue to simmer 2-3 minutes more. Season with nutmeg and pepper. Serve immediately; keep warm.

Honey White Chocolate Fondue
(makes 2-1/2 cups)

• 3/4 cup whipping cream
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup scotch
• 12 oz. white chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 Tablespoon vanilla

In a heavy pan or fondue pot, heat cream, honey and scotch over medium heat until bubbles begin to form at edge of pan. Add chocolate and allow to stand 5 minutes. Whisk in vanilla until mixture is smooth. Serve immediately.

Honey Fruit Fondue
(makes 2-1/2 cups)

• 1 pint dairy sour cream
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mint, crushed
• Assorted fresh fruit

Combine all ingredients except fruit. Serve with fruit. Makes 10 servings.

Honey Chipotle Fondue
(makes 2 cups)

• 1 lb. Garlic Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 2/3 cup beer, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1-1/3 Tablespoon chipotle in Adobo, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Coarsely chopped cilantro, as needed for garnish

Toss cheese with cornstarch to coat; reserve. Bring beer to a simmer. Slowly add cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly, until cheese melts. Stir in honey and chipotle. Sprinkle each serving with cilantro

Personally, I always enjoyed using the Fondue set because you could talk and laugh and have fun with your family or friends and not worry about the food getting cold. Kids, especially, love to fondue because it awakens the little chef in them. Obviously, they would get the non-alcoholic kind!