A Fondue recipe trio

Date Night Dishes... Fondue Party Cooking your own food in a pot of boiling liquid has become a popular trend with a hefty price tag. Skip the restaurant, invite your friends over, and enjoy fondue at home.

One of my favorite things to do on a night out involves a big group of friends, a fondue restaurant and a martini or two. Hosting your own fondue party is a great way to bring your friends together and enjoy fondue on a budget. Whether your guests are vegetarians or steak lovers, you can please them both without cooking separate meals. If you don't have a fondue set, consider a small crock pot, butter warmer, or create your own dishes using ceramic ramekins and tea light candles.

For fondue that needs to boil, like Coq au Vin, keep the pots on the stove and have your friends take turns cooking their meat. If you have a vegetarian in the group, prepare two pots of broth for the meat and veggies, include at least one cheese fondue, and of course, one chocolate fondue. Then start dipping and don't forget to have someone mix up the martinis!

Each of these recipes can be scaled up or down depending on how many people you are serving.

Coq Au Vin

Serves 4-6

Ingredients: 1 cup of dry red wine 4 cups of chicken, beef or veggie broth ½ cup sliced mushrooms 2 cloves of fresh garlic ¼  cup sliced green onions 2 teaspoons of poultry or steak seasoning An assortment of meat, vegetables, poultry, fish and shrimp.Directions:

Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil. Keep it on the stove or transfer to a fondue pot. The liquid needs to remain boiling in order to cook the meat thoroughly. Depending on the size and type of meat, it will vary how long it should stay in the water. For fish, pork, or chicken error on keeping it in too long.Offer dipping sauces for the cooked meats like barbecue sauce, cocktail sauce, or teriyaki sauce.

Cheese and Garlic Fondue

Serves 4-6

Ingredients: 2 cups of shredded or cubed cheese. A mixture is best, try gruyere, swiss, parmesan, cheddar or any you prefer. Stronger flavored cheeses are best. 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour 3/4 cup dry white wine 3 cloves of pressed garlic 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard 1/2 teaspoon of paprikaSalt and pepper to taste Pieces of bread, vegetables, apple slices, or crackers.Directions:

In a plastic bag, toss cheese with cornstarch or flour until it is coated. In a pot, bring wine to a boil, add garlic, and slowly add cheese until it is melted and combined with the wine. Add in the paprika and stir. If it is too thick, add a bit of cream. Transfer to a fondue pot or warming dish. Serve with pieces of bread, fresh vegetables, apple slices or crackers.Change the flavor by using different cheeses or mixing in ingredients like green chiles, jalapenos, fresh basil, or onion.

Chocolate caramel fondue

Serves 4-6

Ingredients: 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips3/4 cup heavy cream1/4 cup butterscotch schnapps Fresh fruit, marshmallows, cake pieces, graham crackers, or brownie pieces.Directions:

Bring cream and liquor to a boil, slowly add in chocolate chips until they are melted. Transfer to a warming dish or fondue pot. Serve with fresh fruit, marshmallows, cake pieces, graham crackers or brownie pieces.Change the flavor simply by using a different liquor, dark chocolate chips, or mix in other ingredients like peanut butter.

More Fondue RecipesTonight's Dinner: Cheddar and stout fondueDessert fondue for twoSwiss chesse fondueMore Date Night DishesSpinach-stuffed eggplant parmesanGrilled pear bruschettaHoney lime fish tacos with tomatillo sauce