Brie and Wild Mushroom Fondue

Made for sharing, this creamy cheese and mushroom fondue is the perfect excuse to call friends for a special supper.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups water
• 1  ounce dried porcini mushrooms
• 1  ounce butter
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 2  shallots, peeled and finely chopped
• 8  ounces  fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and finely chopped
• 1  cup dry white wine
• 14  ounces  ripe  brie cheese, cut into cubes
• 1  teaspoon arrowroot
• 1  pinch  salt & freshly ground black pepper

• To serve

•  French bread, cut into bite-size pieces or  focaccia bread
• 3 1⁄2 ounces  red potatoes, quartered and steamed in their skins

Directions

1. Boil the water in small saucepan, add the porcini mushrooms, set aside for 15 minutes.
2. In a saucepan heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and shiitake mushrooms and sauté until tender.
3. Add the porcini and soaking liquid, leaving any sediment from liquid behind and increase heat to a high temperature until the liquid evaporates.
4. Add the wine to mushrooms and simmer over medium heat. Add cheese to mushrooms in 3 batches, whisking after each addition until cheese melts before adding more. Continue whisking until mixture is smooth and just begins to simmer (do not boil).
5. Mix the arrowroot with a little water and add to the mixture to thicken. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Transfer fondue to fondue pot or an equivalent and set the pot over a candle or heat burner.
7. Serve with the potatoes and bread.