Mark and I aren’t big fans of going out on holidays – especially holidays when everyone else wants to go out – so we usually just do a nice meal at home for Valentine’s day. The last few years, we’ve picked up nice steaks, but this year we decided to do a fondue night at home.

This cheese was the hands-down hit of our Valentine’s Day meal. Mark cut up some green apples, broccoli and bread while I melted the cheese and then we chatted as we devoured it all. It was a nice meal to make and enjoy together – and we stuffed ourselves enough that we had to put off the chocolate course for a few hours. It’s definitely going in the “make again” file.

Garlic Herb Cheddar Fondue
(adapted from For the Love of Food)
Serves 4 as an appetizer

12 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
3 Tbsp. all purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
4 tsp. chopped garlic
4 Tbsp. Green Goddess salad dressing
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
French bread, green apples, broccoli and baby carrots, for dipping

In a small bowl, toss the cheese and flour together.

Add about 2″ of water to the bottom of a double boiler and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and pour chicken broth into the top pot. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring continuously. Add half the cheese and stir until melted. Add the remaining cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly, until all is melted. Stir in Green Goddess sauce and pepper.

Pour into a warm fondue pot and keep warm over low heat.