Fondue

After having fallen out of fashion, fondue sets are now being snapped up at yard sales, and the pleasures of sitting around a simmering pot of melted cheese and wine has been rediscovered. The secret to a successful fondue gathering is to do as the Swiss do and serve little glasses of frozen kirsch along with plenty of white wine. The kirsch isn’t essential—it’s expensive— but when it is authentic, which means imported from Switzerland, Germany, or France, it adds immeasurably to the experience. It’s strong, especially when you are also drinking wine, so warn your guests.