I’m “Fond-ue” of You!

It’s getting dangerously close to Valentine’s Day. I say that, because at the moment I don’t have a Valentine for my Valentine. Sorry hon. It doesn’t mean I love you any less. If we put my lack of planning aside, I’m actually quite excited about the impending holiday. Why? Because in our house, Valentine’s Day is Fondue Night. And no, the kids are not invited.

We put them to bed early, pop open a bottle of Champagne, and cook and eat together. We start with a cheese course, move on to a broth fondue course (for meats and veggies) and conclude the dinner with my favorite, the chocolate course.

Serendipitously, I happened to get an email from our friends at ALDI with a couple of fondue recipes for the big day. Not only would getting the items for our special dinner at ALDI save more than a few bucks, but the recipes sound delish. Here they are; I hope you enjoy them!

Cheddar Fondue, Recipe courtesy of Chef Jared, ALDI Test Kitchen
Ingredients:
• 2 cups Happy Farms Cheddar Cheese (cubed)
• 2 cups Happy Farms Colby Jack Cheese (cubed)
• 1 tbsp. Stonemill Essentials Minced Garlic
• 2 tbsp. Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour
• ¾ cup Wernesgrüner Beer or ¾ cup GT Cola
• ¼ tsp. Stonemill Essentials Ground Black Pepper

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: Heat 10 minutes on stove and 60 minutes in slow cooker
Total time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients together in a medium saucepan.
2. Over medium heat, stir until the cheese melts, approximately 10 minutes.
3. Pour the sauce into a small slow cooker and set on medium for 1 hour, stir occasionally.
4. Serve in slow cooker or pour into a serving dish.
5. Dip assorted fruits, vegetables, breads or cooked meats of your choice.

Valentine’s Day Serving Tip: Get into the spirit by placing your dipping treats into varying red and pink serving dishes!

S’mores Fondue, Recipe courtesy of Chef Kates, ALDI Test Kitchen

Ingredients:
• 15 oz. Milk or Dark Choceur Chocolate Bars, chopped
• 1 cup (8 oz.) Friendly Farms Half & Half
• Pinch Salt
• 2 cups (3.5 oz.) Baker’s Corner Miniature Marshmallows
• 14 each (7.46 oz.) Benton’s Graham Crackers
• Optional: strawberries, banana slices, assorted cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Directions:
1. Heat half and half in a small saucepan over medium heat, and bring just to a boil. Immediately reduce heat to low, add chocolate pieces and a pinch of salt to the hot cream, and whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy.
2. Once combined, transfer mixture to a crockpot or fondue pot to keep warm on low heat. 10 minutes before serving, add mini marshmallows and stir just to incorporate. As the mixture sits, the marshmallows will melt and the chocolate will thicken.
3. If desired, crush 2 graham crackers and sprinkle over the top of fondue mixture to garnish. Serve fondue with graham crackers and your favorite fresh fruits or cookies for dipping.

ALDI Product	ALDI Price
Moser-Roth Chocolates – Premium Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa and Chili Chocolate	$1.89
Memoir Red Wine (California)	$4.99
Chaza Moscato (South Africa)	$4.99
Sovinello Private Collection, Pinot Noir (Italy)	$5.99
Bouquet of roses or assorted fresh flowers	$3.99

*Prices may vary by state.

P.S. Pardon the cheesy pun in the title. I couldn’t resist!