Classic Cheddar Beer Fondue

Ingredients

• 16 ounces Hill Valley Dairy Mild or Medium Cheddar cheese, shredded (4 cups)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 large shallot, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup lager or pilsner beer
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Assorted Dippers: sliced apples, crisp-tender broccoli and cauliflower florets and cubed French bread

Instructions

1. Place shredded cheddar into a large bowl. Cover and let stand for 2 hours at room temperature. Toss cheddar with the flour, mustard, paprika and cayenne pepper.
2. Sauté shallot in butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until tender. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in beer, warm through.
3. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in cheddar mixture until melted. (Do not boil.) Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer to a fondue pot. Heat on low to keep warm. Serve with dippers.

Cheesemonger Tip

Dare to be bold! Stir in Hill Valley Dairy's sharp cheddar cheese, too; the rich cheddar flavor becomes increasingly sharp and complex with age.