Fondue can fulfill so many needs; it's the perfect food for a cocktail soiree, dessert buffet, girls' night in or even a nouveau afternoon tea. But of course our favorite use is as the sustenance for a romantic interlude. Think of the electricity of fingers brushing over the fondue pot, melted cheese slipped onto a lover's expectant tongue... mmmmm...

The Look
of love... A perfect fondue for two will be had with Staub's Mini. No, we don't mean a romp with a hot plate in the back of a British buggy! We're talking about an itty bitty cast iron number which requires eaters to get intimate over a tiny pot of bubbling chocolate love.

We might think fondue reached its pinnicle of design in its 70's heyday, but perhaps fondue is eternal because the trend always changes and grows with the ages. Fondue for more than a few has finally gotten practical with the Lazy Susan Fondue Pot at Sur La Table.As the Susan turns, a gaggle of guests can reach six contiment dishes circling the copper hot pot.

Learning the two step just got a little easier with Emile Henry's flame-top fondue. Made from Burgundian clay this French kiss is designed for heating over a gas or electric flame, then transfered to the table in the same divine dish. Oh la la! The latest and greatest on the melting pot scene, this flame-topper won't hit American shores until the Autumn breeze blows colored leaves. But it should arrive at your favorite retailer just in time to heat up the winter.

the recipes:

Apricot Blue
Traditional Cheese
Berry-licious
Chocolate Lovin'
Caramel Nut