Why do you put cornstarch in cheese fondue?

While the wine is heating, take your grated cheese (a food processor with the grating blade attached makes quick work of it), and toss it with cornstarch to coat. The cornstarch is yet more insurance to keep the fondue from breaking, coating the proteins and fat and preventing them from coalescing.

How do you make Martha Stewart cheese fondue?

Ingredients

1 clove garlic, halved crosswise.
1 1/2 cups apple cider or dry white wine.
8 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (3 cups)
8 ounces Emmental cheese, grated (3 cups)
8 ounces raclette cheese, grated (3 cups)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice.
2 tablespoons cornstarch.
Freshly grated nutmeg.

How do you make cheese fondue not stringy?

A dry, slightly acidic wine is best for fondue as the acidity helps to denature and separate the protiens in the cheese, giving the fondue a stringy quality. If the fondue has been over-cooked and the cheese is turning into hard lumps then adding a teaspoon or two of lemon juice should help to restore the texture.

What can I use instead of wine in cheese fondue?

Alternatively you could use a dry non-alcoholic white wine or light beer. If non-alcoholic wines are also not an option then the wine can be replaced with either milk or a 50/50 mixture of milk and chicken or vegetable stock (broth).

Is cornstarch necessary in fondue?

When making cheese fondue, always use a thickener. Cheese should be shredded and tossed with flour or cornstarch to aid in thickening and to improve the viscosity of the fondue. A good rule of thumb is to use one tablespoon of flour or cornstarch per pound of cheese.

What can I use instead of cornstarch fondue?

The most obvious substitute for cornstarch—and the cornstarch substitute you’re most likely to have in your kitchen already—is flour. For every one tablespoon of cornstarch, you should use three tablespoons of flour, according to Epicurious.

Why did my cheese fondue separate?

If a fondue is starting to separate then adding cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with a little cold water usually brings it back together again as the cornflour binds moisture to the cheese solids. However if the fondue has turned into a solid lump of cheese then it is most likely that it has been overheated.

What can I substitute for kirsch in fondue?

Kirsch is a type of cherry eau de vie/clear brandy and is there to add a more complex flavour to the fondue, but is not completely essential so could be replaced with extra white wine if it is difficult to find.