Emmental cheese is Swiss cheese with buttery notes and fruity flavor, it is traditionally used in this recipe. American style Swiss cheese (such as Alpine Lace) can also be used and is milder with nutty flavor. Purists may object, but a small amount of cornstarch is added to this recipe. It keeps the wine and cheese from separating when heated, and no one will know it’s there.
Rub the interior of a 4-quart saucepot with the cut sides of the garlic (discard garlic).
Pour the wine into the pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a small condiment cup, stir the cornstarch and water together to form a slurry. Set aside. Add the cheeses to the pot of simmering wine gradually. Stir in a figure-8 and zigzag pattern to prevent the cheese from balling up. Avoid using a circular motion. Cook until the cheese is melted and creamy (do not boil).
Re-stir the cornstarch slurry if it has settled; add it to the fondue and stir in figure-8/zigzag motions to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened about 5-8 minutes. Transfer the cheese to a fondue pot set over a flame and serve immediately.
Notes
Two tablespoons of kirsch (cherry eau-de-vie) may be added to this fondue, along with freshly grated nutmeg for a truly authentic Swiss Fondue. Kirsch can can often be found at package stores, and in pastry supply stores.Almost any dry white wine can be used in this recipe, but for my personal taste only sauvignon blanc will do.