A series of essays….
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GAVIN’S FONDUE BIRTHDAY DINNER PARTY! |
….as seen through my eyes!
By: Jacqueline E Hughes
Okay. I admit it. I feel slightly abashed for doing this but, it was fun, a bit messy, and a total waste of way too many dishes and utensils in the process of it all. It was for a very good cause and, honestly, I would do it all over again as soon as possible. Even though I recall feeling a bit uncouth and primal at the time, I know I would bloom in the aftermath like a growing teenage boy with a satiated appetite.
The Melting Pot, a restaurant located on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, was a chance to introduce dining on Swiss fondue to our ‘Birthday Boy’ and grandson, Gavin. I believe, Ali, our eldest daughter, suggested a fondue night to celebrate Gavin’s twelfth birthday because she enjoyed it so much while growing-up and participating in family fondue nights. Fondue wasn’t just a fun family treat in our household, but a satisfying meal that bordered on undisciplined eating tactics; something that most parents understand attracts young children in a strange sort of way.
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SWEETNESS SMOTHERED IN RICH MELTED CHOCOLATE |
Being a bit different and off-the-beaten track engages kids with the charm of taking things into their own hands. What is better than stuffing long forks tipped with juicy pieces of steak or dried bread cubes into steaming hot cauldrons of oil or cheese? I can still smell the pungent odor of highly flammable Sterno in its can, flames supplying enough heat to melt cheese and boil vegetable oil. To this day I cringe thinking about how much effort it took to extricate burnt dairy product from the inside bottom of our bright orange fondue pot…
And yet—somehow, it brought our family of four closer together via the rhythmic dance of fondue forks, topped by our personal color coding, being plunged into the pots in order to coat and/or cook our food according to our own specifications. This rhythm was basic and attracted us to these meals based on independence and learning proper cooking times.
Inevitably, the simple words, “Oh, no!” would ring out several times during the course of the meal and it was certain that a mushroom or chunk of meat had disengaged itself from the two-pronged fork and was instantly floundering about without the help from a color connection to its owner. Work to reclaim the morsel had to be activated immediately or the old adage “you snooze, you lose” would apply. Fondue night took no prisoners.
This September, I may be partaking in yet another form of cheesy delight called raclette. Here, instead of melting cheese in a pot, this dish, native to parts of Switzerland, heats a round of raclette cheese, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then the melting cheese is scraped onto diners’ plates. Often the cheese will drip over boiled new potatoes, whole small onions, and dried meat such as ham or salami. Served with a Kirsch or white wine it would be nothing short of magnifique!
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RACLETTE CHEESE WITH POTATOES |
If Dan and I choose Paris as our destination anniversary in September, we may be having to walk-off daily croissants, decadent treats from the patisserie, armfuls of baguettes, and bistro lunches made up of raclette cheese and potatoes! This prospect places me in my happy place. I will keep you posted as time passes. Fingers crossed!
The fondue dinner the other evening was not about all of us, it was about Gavin; It was about making happy family memories that will last a lifetime. Gavin loved it! The pleasant look of joy on his face was evident throughout all three courses. Beginning with the cheese and bread fondue, next came the meat entrée, and all was sweetly finished off with strawberries, marshmallows, miniature macarons, bananas, and so much more all dipped into melted chocolate— guaranteed to melt in your mouth.
Between heavenly bites of culinary bliss and opening his birthday gifts, I believe Gavin was a very happy guy. Seeing your child or grandchild smiling from ear to ear is always the frosting on the cake. Having them try something to eat that is so different and brand new to them and see that they truly like it—would make any parent happy. Great job, Ali!
Even though enjoying a fondue meal can be a little aggressive and absolutely messy at times, it is so delicious. Ali and I are planning on dusting off our stored fondue pots and creating our own fondue night, very soon. I see two great things about this: happily what goes around comes back around, in due time, and eating a fondue meal with your family within the comfort and seclusion of your own home will be priceless!
Copyright © 2023 by Jacqueline E Hughes
All rights reserved
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