Fondue — it’s not just a word that rhymes with rendezvous, it’s French culinary cuisine. And you don’t even need to buy a fondue pot to make your own. A crock pot or any stainless steel cooking pan and a stove will melt cheese and chocolate fondues just fine.

Trust me, if you’re looking for a way to impress your favorite Tri-Lambda or you’re buddies are coming over to watch Family Guy and you know they’ll raid your pantry if you don’t come up with something to feed them, then read on, my friends, and find out what fondue has in store for you.

Cheese It Up

Go ahead, dip your sourdough bread into that hot, buttery, melted white cheese. Cheese fondue is a great way to learn the art of melted masterpieces. For the all-American taste, cut up a Granny Smith green apple and dip it in melted cheddar cheese. And if you like veggies with dip — try dipping a crispy orange carrot into melted cheese. The Melting Pot Restaurant in Kansas City, which offers a four-course fondue-exclusive dinner, features four types of cheeses for the first course, according to General Manager, Donn Davis.

Prepared right at the table are Swiss, Gruyere, Cheddar and Spinach Artichoke. Guests have their choice of various breads, apples and veggies for fabulous, cheesy dipping action.

Kit Leffler

Ben Pera, graduate student in mathematics, takes a large bite of fondue.

Oils, Broths and Sauces.

Oh My!

A little more complicated are main course fondues. But don’t shy away because shrimp with warm cocktail sauce (see recipe box) and chicken dipped in hot teriyaki sauce make for a robust and flavorful meal. Another less fattening fondue option is simple vegetable broths or bouillon. Chop up some potatoes, veggies or small bits of seafood and get dipping.

Chocolate Dream

If chocolate is the way to a woman’s heart then chocolate fondue is the way to her pants. But seriously, chocolate fondue comes in an abundance of different varieties. Grab a couple king-size Hershey bars at the store and mix it with whatever you please. The Melting Pot offers pure chocolates — dark, white, and milk — Cookies ‘n Cream Marshmallow Dream, Chocolate S’mores, Yin and Yang, Amaretto Meltdown and Flaming Turtle. So throw in some Oreos or swirl the chocolate with Caramel sauce. Just make sure your taste buds are ready to endure pure bliss.