I love a good cheese fondue. Partly because fondue is delicious, partly because it’s cheese and did I mention cheese? But there’s another reason I love fondue… which is the time spent having a fondue. You see, fondue isn’t something you whip up on a weeknight before rushing off to practice (although this stovetop version is quick enough that you certainly could). Fondue is an event, you invite your friends over, pour some wine, gather around a table and sit and chat and snack for hours. Literally the perfect night! Those are the moments we remember; laughing around the table with our friends.
Lucky for me some of my greatest friends are fellow bloggers and we recently shared MANY of those amazing moments! A recent retreat I met up with some of my best blogging friends, Nagi from RecipeTin Eats, Jen from Carlsbad Cravings, Meggan from Culinary Hill, Chelsea from Chelsea’s Messy Apron, and Rachael from Eazy Peazy Mealz to talk blogging and enjoy some amazing meals. We were hosted by Terranea Resort for a completely luxurious weekend just minutes away from LA. This resort is truly gorgeous with amazing views, fantastic amenities and it’s a remarkable place to unwind. A true escape into paradise in your own backyard! Not only was the view breathtaking but the food… oh the food… so many incredible restaurants, amazing chefs and on site gardens. I truly and honestly can’t put into words the food we experienced. The first night we experienced gourmet meal at the beautiful mar’sel restaurant. After a full kitchen tour and photography session, we enjoyed Morel Mushroom Toast (I still dream about this dish) and absolutely perfectly cooked steaks while having the most gorgeous view of the ocean. Perfect right?! The following day we got to enjoy a lunch at Nelson’s. I’m not going to lie, I kind of want to live there (yeah, at the restaurant). Between all of us, we tried almost every dish on the menu but one in particular kept calling my name; Jalapeno Popper Cheese Fondue… I KNOW RIGHT?!?! Ooey gooey cheeses with chorizo and jalapenos served in a bread bowl. I can’t even. I got home and started thinking about this dish and couldn’t stop so I knew I had to make a version to share with all of you. I’ve included 4 kinds of cheese, crispy bacon and diced jalapenos for the ultimate cheesy dip!
Once you try this easy fondue, you’re going to make it over and over again (and your friends are going to request it)!! We serve it in a bowl because it doesn’t last longer than a few minutes but once made you can also keep it warm in a mini crock pot or ceramic fondue pot or if you’re adventurous, serve this in a bread bowl and warm it in the oven. You won’t be disappointed! The food we enjoyed was just a portion of our amazing experience. Gorgeous views, luxurious rooms, amazing pools, loads of decks and patios to sit and relax, beautiful trails to walk and run near the ocean, I truly cannot wait to go back. This is the spot to have a vacation in your own backyard (if you are near) or the destination that you want to travel to! Check out the video below (put together by the amazing Nagi of Recipe Tin Eats)! © SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here. More amazing recipes inspired by our visit:
Megan at Culinary Hill – Homemade Soft Pretzels Nagi at Recipe Tin Eats – Jalapeno Popper Dip‘
