Lightly steamed asparagus, broccoli and cauliflower florets, or carrots
Cherry tomatoes
Strips of bell pepper
Apple or pear slices
Instructions
Rub a heavy pot, such as an enameled cast iron pot, all over the bottom in sides with the garlic clove. Add the white wine heat over medium heat until hot. Toss the grated cheese in a bowl with the cornstarch. Add the grated cheese to the pot very gradually, stirring all the while, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is very smooth, about 10 minutes. Season with pepper.
Meanwhile, arrange the bread, and any other items you are using to dip, attractively on a serving platter.
If you have a fondue pot, light the flame underneath the pot, and transfer the fondue to the fondue pot. Let everyone spear the food of their choice with fondue fork, or other small forks, and dip away.
Notes
Emmenthal cheese (or emmenthaler, or – in Switzerland — Emmental) and Gruyere are the two most classic cheeses used in authentic Swiss fondue. Other traditional choices are Comte, Rachlette, and Swiss Vacherin, which melts beautifully and camily, if that is in fact a word. If you want to add different cheeses, please do – you need cheeses with flavor, and cheeses that have a smooth and creamy melting texture, classically cow’s milk cheeses made in the Alpine style. Fontina and Jarlsberg are good thoughts, too, and very accessible. Talk to your cheese monger to see what else is an option.