Shiitake, Artichoke and Fontina Fondue

An elegant fontina fondue with bits of shiitake mushroom, artichoke hearts and shallots. Fondue turns any occasion into a party!

Recipe Ingredients:

4 cups (about 1 pound) shredded Fontina cheese
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups (about 6-ounces) shiitake mushrooms, trimmed, cleaned and finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped shallots
1 cup canned artichoke hearts, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, or 2 tablespoons dried chives
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Suggested Dippers: Boiled peeled shrimp, steamed small red-skinned potatoes, onion and herb focaccia cut in bite-size pieces

Cooking Directions:

1. In a medium-size bowl toss the cheese with the cornstarch.
2. In a medium-size heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the shiitake mushrooms and shallots; cook 3 to 4 minutes. Add the artichoke hearts and continue cooking 3 minutes. Stir in the wine, broth and lemon juice. Heat until just barely simmering. Add the cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until the cheese is melted before adding more. When all the cheese has been added, stir in the thyme, chives, salt and pepper.
3. Transfer fondue to an enamel or ceramic fondue pot and keep warm over a fondue burner. Serve immediately with shrimp, potatoes and focaccia.

Makes 12 appetizer servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of the American Dairy Association.