January Cheese of the Month: Kroon's Maasdam
A Swiss Elemental Gone Dutch
Traditionally crafted Dutch cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. Maasdam is produced through a special ripening process that allows it to develop its characteristic and delicious taste and distinctive ‘eyes’. This versatile cheese is perfect on any cheeseboard, sliced in sandwiches or melted in a focaccia.
A Creamy Kroon Maasdam Cheese and Cider Fondue with Fresh Fruit
Serves: 6 People | Preparation time: 10 minutes - Cooking time: 15 minutes
This rich fondue is flavoured with cider and is perfect as a starter amongst friends at a dinner party. Delicious served with fruits of the forest including figs, pears and apples.
Ingredients
– 300ml (½ pt) Cider
– 30ml (2 tbsp) Cornflour
– 400g (14oz) Kroon Maasdam cheese, grated
– 1 Clove of garlic, crushed
– Freshly ground black pepper
Accompaniments to serve
– 3 Apples, cored and each cut into 8 wedges
– 2 Pears, cored and cut into thick slices
– Juice of ½ lemon
– 6 Figs, cut into quarters
Method
1. Rub fondue pan (or a heavy-based saucepan) with the garlic, discard the garlic, then add the cider and bring to the boil.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, blend the cornflour with 75ml (3tbsp) cold water to a smooth paste. Reduce the heat under the fondue pan to low and stir in the Kroon Maasdam cheese and the blended cornflour, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and begins to bubble. Season with black pepper and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thick and creamy.
3. Toss the apples and pears in the lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Set the fondue pan over a table burner, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking. Serve in individual sized pots and use a fork to dip the fruit into the fondue.
Cooks tips
This fondue needs to be kept warm after making. Do not allow it to cool and reheat as it will split. Try also serving it with fresh bread bread or roasted baby potatoes.