CHEESE FONDUE WITH SPICED PEAR

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp salted butter
• 1 firm ripe pear, peeled, cored and diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch freshly ground pepper
• 1 clove garlic, halved lengthwise
• 2 cups dry white wine
• 2 cups shredded Emmental cheese
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Kirsch (cherry brandy), optional
• 1 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Directions

1. To prepare spiced pear, melt butter in a small non-reactive frypan over medium-high heat. Add pear, cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg; sauté until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in pinch of pepper; set aside.
2. Rub garlic halves on inside of a large non-reactive saucepan; discard garlic halves.
3. Add wine to saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat; boil, uncovered, for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add Emmental cheese and Gruyère cheese, cooking and stirring constantly until cheese is melted.
5. Whisk together cornstarch, Kirsch and water until blended. Gradually whisk into cheese mixture and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened. Stir in 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/4 tsp nutmeg.
6. Transfer fondue to a fondue pot. Sprinkle with spiced pear.
7. Serve with cubed French bread.