Being a quintessential Swiss dish, cheese fondue conjures up images for me of alpine ski huts, deep snow and 20°F weather. Well, we don’t get much snow or cold weather in the California central valley, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a good fondue party.

Saute the onions in butter until they begin to turn golden. Add the cups of boiling water, salt, pepper, and a dash or cayenne and nutmeg. Add also the bay leaves. Stir well and bring the…..