Voodoo Cheddar Fondue

Adapted from the Melting Pot, Dip into Something Different

• 2 ¾ cups (11 oz)      Shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 T.                          All-purpose flour
• 1 cup                        Beer (light beer recommended)
• ½ cup                       Diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 2 tsp                         Finely chopped garlic
• ½ cup                       Cooked baby shrimp
• 1 tsp                         Freshly ground pepper

Toss the cheese with the flour in a bowl. Place a metal bowl over a saucepan filled with 2 inches of water. You may also use a conventional double boiler. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and pour the beer into the bowl. Stir in the tomatoes with green chiles and garlic using a fork. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Add half of the cheese and cook until the cheese is melted, stirring constantly. Add the remaining cheese a small amount at a time, stirring constantly in a circular motion after each addition until the cheese is melted. Fold in the shrimp and pepper. Pour into a warm fondue pot and keep warm over low heat. Serves 4 to 6.

Note – The cheese is shredded and tossed with flour to aid in thickening and to improve the viscosity of the fondue. The fondue should be the consistency of warm honey when completed. Monitor the cheese carefully as it is being added. Not all the cheese may be needed, and, in some cases, more cheese may be needed to reach the perfect consistency.