Simple Cheese Fondue

Bring out your fondue pot, stir up this easy recipe and warm up with friends and family on a chilly winter evening. Or serve it as a novel supper during Super Bowl halftime.  A tossed green or fruit salad makes a nice accompaniment.

DONNA ERICKSON'S  EASY CHEESE FONDUE for FAMILIES

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed Cheddar cheese soup, such as Campbell’s
1/4 cup dry white wine or apple juice
1 cup Swiss cheese, grated
1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
Tabasco (optional)
Salt and white pepper  
1 clove garlic, halved
French bread, cut into bite-size chunks, each with some crust on                       

Heat soup, wine or apple juice, and cheeses over medium heat, stirring constantly until cheeses are melted.  Add a drop or two of Tabasco and season to taste with salt and pepper.                     

Rub the insides of a fondue pot with garlic. Pour the smooth cheese mixture into fondue pot and keep warm. Serve yourself by spearing bread chunks with fondue forks and dip completely into the sauce.                        

Extra idea: For preschoolers, dipping a long pretzel or bread stick topped with a chunk of French bread into their own bowl of the gooey cheese mixture is just as fun. Try veggies and apple slices for healthy dunkers, too.                        

Make 4-6 servings.