New Year's Eve Family Fun Fondue Dinner

By Nicole Spain, Registered Dietitian

Staying home this year doesn’t have to be boring! Treat your family to a non-traditional dinner that is fun for all ages!  For this fondue party, you don’t even need to have a fondue pot. (Although, if you have one pull it out!)

Try a twist on a family favorite by making our Grow-Fit inspired Pizza Fondue. And end the meal with an antioxidant-packed dark chocolate fondue, served alongside a variety of fruits for dipping. Who said eating healthy can’t be delicious too?!

Pizza Fondue
Serves 6-8

Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey (97-99% fat free)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
28 oz jar pasta sauce
8 oz pkg mozzarella cheese
8 oz pkg cheddar cheese
Whole grain French bread, sliced thick
Red and green peppers, cut into scoops (if you buy mini peppers, just cut in half)

Directions:

1. Brown ground turkey and onion in skillet over medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together seasonings and cornstarch. Sprinkle over ground turkey mixture.
3. Stir in pasta sauce until thickened.
4. Add cheese gradually; stir until completely melted.
5. Transfer to a slow-cooker; keep warm on low setting.
6. Serve with thick slices of bread and pepper slices for dipping.

Dark Chocolate Fondue
Makes 1 ½ cups

Ingredients:
2 cups dark chocolate chips
½ cup half and half
2 tsp vanilla
Assorted fondue dippers: strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and mandarin orange segments

Directions:

1. Place chocolate chips and half and half in a medium microwave safe bowl.Microwave on medium heat (50% power) for 1 minute, then stir. If necessary, microwave an additional 15 seconds on medium heat, stirring after each time until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred.
2. Stir in vanilla.
3. Pour into fondue pot, chaffing dish or small crockpot; serve warm with fondue dippers.If mixture thickens, stir in additional half and half, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Refrigerate leftover fondue.