" SAY CHEESE...."

Some sing high, some sing low..... if you've ever sung, I don't know. "Song sung blue..."

Your minds photographer is poised to take the picture,you try to think happy foods, nothing. All you can think is; what and how will I beat last year's party.

A desire; a picture perfect party has been in your mind for weeks. You have something different every year. Something simple; yet memorable - year to year. I need a theme.

You see five friends as they arrive for the annual Christmas party. Everyone dressed up a little. The tree is trimmed and in full view. Perhaps your gang drew names secretly for gifts. A festive mood is in the air ..." Hail, hail the gangs all here," someone sings off key.

Then it hits you like a bolt out of the blue; every year they count, and all say "CHEESE !" This year we will have what we all love CHEESE.

Its Christmas - we'll have a CHEESE & FRUIT TREE. May I help you?

The base of the "TREE" will be a large serving tray. Mine is jade. It has a large flower vase. Perfect; turned upside down, the large foot will be the top flat surface. Alternate a pear, bunch of white grapes, an apple, bunch of red grapes until we peak at the top.

For the base we go wild with CHEESE:

Stuffed Edam * - Sliced fruit cake * Sliced Brie wedges * Grapes * Assorted crackers*
Sliced Sharp Cheddar * Apple * Laughing Cow Swiss * Limburger * Dark bread * Pretzels

Stuffed Edam : one round Edam at room temperature. Cut a five or six point star from heavy paper. Pin star to top of Edam; cut deep around the star outline. Use spoone to remove cheese.
Use electric beater to whip warm cheese with a little light cream to make soft spread. Heap spread high in red cheese shell.

Now for the surprise that you are noted for: Excuse yourself from you guests.
These ingredients are measured and at room temperature.

3/4 pound of Gruyere(groo yar) cheese, cut into julienne strips
1 Tbs all-purpose flour
1 clove garlic - halved
1 1/4 cups cooking sauterne ( + 1/4 cup) separate
* * * * *
Dash fresh ground pepper
Dash nutmeg
3 Tbs cooking sherry
French bread cut in squares with some crust

Toss cheese with flower
Rub vigorously inside open cooker with garlic
Pour in sauterne; warm until bubbles start, stir with wooden fork
Add a handful of cheese, stir constantly, until all melts
Add another handful, stir until all cheese is melted, thin if needed, with little sauterne

Cheese is all melted and bubbling gently, now add sherry and seasonings
Have a cube of bread speared on each long handled fork.

Invite guest in: "Yes - Its fondue ! Let the dipping and swirling begin."
If you have the old Continetal Fondue Cooker - Excellent - if not;(Chafing Dish) buy it here.

T Bone