Today is Monday April 11, 2011

National Cheese Fondue Day

Cheese fondue is a delicious dish that originated in Switzerland during the 18th century. The traditional pot used to make fondue is called a "caquelon," which is made of heavy earthenware. A heavy promotes even heat distribution and heat retention in the fondue. Typical fondue cheese recipes include sharp cheeses (like cheddar) or strong cheeses (like Swiss). Additional ingredients such as milk, spices, cream, wine, or brandy may be added to the fondue to balance out the cheese flavor and thicken the fondue. The key to a successful fondue is to make sure that the sauce stays smooth. Cheese has the tendency to get stringy or clumpy as the fat separates from the protein at high temperatures. To ensure that this does not happen, do not heat the cheese beyond its melting point or over stir it. To celebrate National Cheese Fondue Day, have a potluck style fondue night with some friends. Have them bring over different types of bread like baguettes, French, or Italian style bread to dip in the cheese fondue. Enjoy!           

• Today is also National Pet Day
• April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

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On this day in History:

1783 - After receiving a copy of the provisional treaty on March 13, the U.S. Congress proclaimed a formal end to hostilities with Great Britain. 1814 - Napoleon was forced to abdicate his throne. The allied European nations had marched into Paris on March 30, 1814. He was banished to the island of Elba. 1980 - The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued regulations specifically prohibiting sexual harassment of workers by supervisors. 1981 - Edward "Eddie" Van Halen and Valerie Bertinelli were married.

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Quote of the Day:
"The root of the matter is a very simple and old-fashioned thing, a thing so simple that I am almost ashamed to mention it for fear of the derisive smile with which cynics will greet my words. The thing I mean--please forgive me for mentioning it--is love, or compassion. If you feel this, you have a motive for existence, a reason for courage, a guide in action, an imperative necessity for intellectual honesty. If you feel this, you have all that anybody should need in the way of religion."

--Betrand Russell