Difficulty Level Easy

YIELD makes approximately 2 cups (4 servings)

My husband and I have a dear friend who has started a tradition of having Earth Hour potluck parties. It's fun for the adults, but she is really doing it to make a point to her two teenage sons and their friends. She wants them to know that you really can amuse yourself without all the electronic gear that is so much a part of our lives now. She explicitly said in her invitation (of course, sent by email) that ipods, iphones, blackberries et al would be confiscated at the front door, so best leave them at home. The children can either dress warmly and play outside in the backyard, or stay inside and play cards or board games. Even though we only turn the lights out for the hour, the prohibition of electronics is all evening long.

Fondue seemed like the perfect thing for an Earth Hour party. You cook it and then when the time arrives to turn off the lights and the stove, you keep it warm in the fondue pot while the candles light the room. And honestly, it's quite fun to eat.

I've been known to make a damn fine Margarita in my time, but I wasn't sure about the tequila in this. I thought there was a slightly bitter aftertaste. My husband, on the other hand, absolutely loved it. The bread we used was a bit too fresh, and I think that day old bread would stand up to the thick sauce a bit better. We also dipped blanched vegetables and some grilled steak which worked really well.

I used a mixture of raclette cheese and gruyere, because they both melt well and don't separate when heated.

INGREDIENTS