Welcome to the latest edition of Come On Over, Food52 editorial director Julie Vadnal’s newsletter that’s all about hosting gatherings big and small—without losing your cool. Got company? Sign up here for her emails.
The most energy my husband and I can ever muster up for Valentine’s Day usually involves a dinner at Vinny’s, a casual Italian restaurant near us where the portions are huge and the prices are low. There’s never a wait, and we love it. This year, we might still go there—but I also want to pull a Leslie Knope and have my girlfriends over on the 13th, too. This calls for fondue.
1. Getting Cheesy
Our most popular fondue recipe involves two kinds of cheese and about half a bottle of wine (plus Kirsch!). It also has the word “legendary” in the title—need I say more? It’s silky, never too gloopy, and perfect for a crowd.
2. Do the Dip
My friend Katherine, who owns an incredible dinner party shop called Big Night, taught me everything I know about what to pair with cheese fondue, from boiled potatoes to radishes to hunks of sourdough, and even grapes. Ask your friends to each bring a food they’d want to dunk in cheese. But also, we have ideas.
3. The ’70s Are Back
Photo by Rocky Luten
Of course you could use an enameled cast iron pot and bring it to the table, but I wish I’d registered for this fondue pot when I got married. It comes with a burner, four prongs, and a ceramic pot that you can put in the dishwasher when the party’s over. (I can’t say that for my parents’ one from the ’70s!)
4. Bubble Up
Photo by Ty Mecham
Rich cheese goes perfectly with something bubbly, which I like to serve in coupes that come in the color of love. Aww.
5. Keep Dessert Simple
Photo by Elvin Abril
A heaping bowl of strawberries—truly, make it overflow—is the perfect dramatic ending to a fondue night. It couldn’t be easier to put together, though I don’t think anyone would complain if you hand-whipped some cream to go with it.
6. For the Day After
Let’s imagine a world in which you have fondue leftovers. This tiny self-heating pot makes a personal helping of cheesy goodness, and—I promise I’m not making up this last part—the heating pad can also charge your phone or wireless earbuds.
How are you hosting for Valentine’s Day? I’d love to hear your plans in the comments!
