Cheese Fondue With Beer and Bourbon

Ingredients

• •2 cloves garlic cloves, halved lengthwise
• •½ cup Belgian beer (such as Duvel)
• •2 cups dry white wine, divided
• •3 tablespoons cornstarch
• •1 pound Gruyère, coarsely grated
• •1 pound Babybel cheese, grated
• •2 tablespoons bourbon or brandy
• •¼ teaspoon baking soda
• •1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• •1 pinch Kosher salt
• •4 cups (1-inch pieces) country-style bread, preferably day-old
• •1 platter Assorted ham and salumi
• •1 cup pickles
• •2 cups and crudités (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. 1.

   Rub inside of a large saucepan with cut sides of garlic. Finely grate garlic into saucepan; add beer and 1 1/2 cups wine and bring to a boil over medium heat. Whisk cornstarch and remaining 1/2 cup wine in a small bowl until no lumps remain, then whisk into liquid in saucepan. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, then reduce heat so mixture is at a very low simmer and very gradually add Gruyère and Babybel, whisking until smooth (fully incorporate each batch of cheese before adding more).

   20 min

2. 2.

   Whisk bourbon and baking soda in a small bowl to combine, then whisk into fondue, followed by lemon juice; season with salt. Transfer to a fondue pot and serve with bread, ham, salumi, pickles, and crudités for dipping.

   5 min