๐ Pumpkin Cheese Fondue Recipe ๐ง
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Recipe Yield: 1 small pumpkin
Description:
This Pumpkin Cheese Fondue is not just a delightful Halloween treat or a Thanksgiving appetizer; it’s a cozy, autumnal indulgence perfect for any chilly day. And guess what? You can even eat the pumpkin itself! Keep the fondue warm over a low heat to ensure the cheese stays perfectly gooey without scorching.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | pumpkin |
| 2 tbsp | butter |
| 1/2 tsp | nutmeg |
| 1/2 tsp | cinnamon |
| 1 1/2 tbsp | olive oil |
| 3 | scallions |
| 2 cloves | garlic |
| 8 oz | Gruyere cheese (grated) |
| 8 oz | sherry wine |
| 1 cup | dry white wine |
| 1 tbsp | cornstarch |
| to taste | salt and pepper |
| to taste | paprika |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Begin by cutting a slice off the top of the pumpkin and scooping out the seeds. ๐
- Don’t throw those seeds away! You can use them to make Spicy Roasted Butternut Seeds or any favorite seed recipe you have.
-
Season and Bake the Pumpkin:
- Brush the inside of the pumpkin with melted butter, and season with nutmeg and cinnamon. ๐
- Place the pumpkin, with its top back on, on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes until tender.
-
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- While the pumpkin is baking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sautรฉ the chopped scallions and garlic cloves in the oil for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sherry wine or dry white wine to the pan, along with the cornstarch paste. Stir until combined.
-
Melt the Cheese:
- Lower the heat and add the grated Gruyere cheese to the simmering wine mixture. ๐ง
- Stir in a zig-zag pattern rather than circular motions to help the cheese melt smoothly.
-
Season and Adjust Consistency:
- Season the cheese mixture with salt, pepper, more nutmeg, and cinnamon to taste. ๐ด
- If the fondue seems too thick, you can add a bit of water or chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
-
Fill the Pumpkin:
- Once the cheese is perfectly melted and combined, carefully pour it into the baked pumpkin. ๐
- Sprinkle the top with paprika for a pop of color and flavor.
-
Serve and Enjoy! ๐ฅณ
- This Pumpkin Cheese Fondue is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pumpkin! ๐
- Serve with an array of dippable delights such as apple slices, pears, celery sticks, bell peppers, cubes of crusty bread, cooked shrimp, cooked chicken, or even crispy potato skins.
Notes:
- Instead of making a cornstarch paste separately, you can also dust the cheese cubes with cornstarch before adding them to the warmed wine. ๐ฝ
- Keep the fondue warm over a low heat while serving to ensure it stays perfectly melty and delicious! ๐ฏ๏ธ
So, whether you’re celebrating Halloween, hosting a Thanksgiving feast, or simply craving a cozy autumnal snack, this Pumpkin Cheese Fondue is sure to be a hit! Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness and the delightful combination of flavors in every dip! ๐ง๐โจ
