I came across the rare opportunity to do something fun and just for me the other day. My fantastic mother-in-law watched Mason and made it possible, and my husband looked the other way when I spent $75 for a cooking class.
So I went and learned how to make fondue at The Melting Pot, which is one of our favorite special-occasion-we-also-have-extra-money sort of restaurants. Or a we-have-a-coupon-so-we-can-afford-a-splurge restaurant. Either way!
But included in the $75 was: a two and a half hour class complete with demonstration where you are put into pairs to make a swiss cheese fondue, a cheddar cheese fondue, one broth-based meat/main course fondue (we had chicken, steak, shrimp, and ravioli for the meat, plus vegetables), and a chocolate fondue. And of course, we got to eat the results. Good thing fondue is easy, because most of us were paired with total strangers and we ended up sharing. My partner, as well as the other pair at our table, were all really nice and fun to visit with. We had a lot in common and shared good conversation with the good food.
Also included was a hardcover copy of The Melting Pot Recipe Book, with a few coupons for our benefit at the end. I've been looking for this book for a while now, since getting a fondue pot for Christmas, and it's kind of expensive and also usually out of stock at the bookstore (even the online ones). Getting to take it home was a big plus. I was really surprised to find the number of recipes included. In addition to recipes for almost their full fondue menu, the book also has recipes for their salads and salad dressings (all prepared on site), all but two of the sauces they serve (including one called Green Goddess that might be the best thing ever to put on basically any kind of vegetable), and a good number of their "house" cocktails.
Some of the fun facts/things I learned:
- How to make a cheese fondue that doesn't turn into a big clumpy melted ball of goo
- How to cut a loaf of bread so there is crust with every cube, ensuring the bread won't fall apart when dipped
- The best (totally simple and surprising!) way to make dipping chocolate with a smooth, even consistency
- How to stir basically any fondue so it comes out smooth
- When to use steam by placing a small metal salad bowl in the top part of the fondue pot over boiling water so that everything melts perfectly
I have a few friends who have told me they would be interested in taking this class. This was the first one actually taught on behalf of the restaurant. I heard about it (and have heard about some other special offers) by signing up for Club Fondue. You can also check out their menu options and make reservations any time at The Melting Pot's website. This links to the one in downtown SLC, which I believe is the only one in Utah.
Anyway, that's how I heard about it, but if you're interested let me know. I'm going to email the woman who taught the class because I already have several friends who have said I should sign them up for a fun afternoon/evening or get more information for them, so I can easily pass it on to anyone else who thinks this sounds fun.
