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How Do You Make Dinnertime Fun in Your House?

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Hello, foodies…

We've spent a great deal of time this month on In the Kitchen with David talking about the importance of a family meal. But, sometimes—no matter how much emphasis you've placed on dinnertime, and how delicious a recipe may be—it's incredibly difficult getting your family to the table. It's just so easy to get wrapped up in our work and play…especially if our phones, tablets, and computers are involved. Not to mention must-see TV!

So when you're sensing your family has their listening ears switched off, try making dinnertime fun with a recipe like my French Onion Soup Fondue. This can be ready in just 20–30 minutes and your family can dip and dunk to their heart's content!

French Onion Soup Fondue

This recipe is prepared with the Oster 3-Qt Lazy Susan Fondue Maker with 4 Removable Bowls (K34958).

Go to David's Recipe Item Page for the full list of items that David has used in his recipes.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp oil

2 large onions, diced

1/2 lb Swiss cheese, grated

1/2 lb Gruyère cheese, grated

2 Tbsp flour

3/4 cup beef broth

1/4 cup cooking sherry

1/2 Tbsp concentrated beef broth

Pinch of nutmeg

2 loaves French bread, cut into 1" cubes and toasted (optional, for serving)

Cooked asparagus spears (optional, for serving)

Cooked potatoes, cubed (optional, for serving)

Cooked broccoli, roughly diced (optional, for serving)

Cooked cauliflower, roughly diced (optional, for serving)

Directions:

Pour the oil into a medium-size sauté pan set to medium heat. Sauté the onions, tossing frequently, until brown and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes. Set aside.

Toss the cheeses with the flour in a medium mixing bowl until evenly coated; set aside.

Combine the beef broth, cooking sherry, and concentrated beef broth in a medium saucepot over medium-low heat. Bring to a slight simmer. Whisk the cheese into the mixture in four batches, waiting between each addition for the cheese to melt. Don't let the mixture come to a boil. When the final batch has melted completely, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the caramelized onions.

Transfer the mixture to a fondue pot and sprinkle the nutmeg on top. Serve with the French bread, asparagus spears, potatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower, if desired.

It's up to you whether you'd like to make this an appetizer or main course. On a weeknight, I'd suggest the latter with a hearty side salad. But, this dish is also perfect for a weekend party! Just make sure you've got individual skewers for everyone, so it doesn't get messy.

Time for your blog question. How do you make dinnertime fun in your house? Do you let the kids create their own recipes? Maybe you only have finger foods for dinner? Or, what about a play-with-your-food night? I can make a great volcano out of mashed potatoes! Help your fellow foodies with your ideas. Their families will thank you! See you Wednesday at 9pm ET.

Keep it flavorful!

—David