Although this past weekend was mostly spent decorating my apartment, putting together clothes to donate, and buying, wrapping and preparing to either hand-deliver or ship birthday presents for friends and family who are celebrating their special days back-to-back this week – I did take a little time out to enjoy some melted cheese (and chocolate!) and grill up some steak on Sunday when my cousin Paige and her husband invited my mom and I out for a late lunch/early dinner and some long overdue catching up.
The last time I visited The Melting Pot, it was at the Natick, Massachusetts location – now closed – and was back when I was finishing up college. The last time I participated in a fondue party, however – was during Hurricane Sandy, I believe. Some friends and I gathered in the Chelsea apartment and rode out the storm while melting whatever cheeses anyone showed up with into one big pot so we could dunk bread, chips, crackers, etc. The results were not great, to put it mildly (despite popular belief, not all cheeses are created equal!) – but it was still very, very fun.
There was also the time Stef put together a mini, post-podcast fondue for us, as well – and that was impressive!
Since those experiences in what felt like an eternity ago, The Melting Pot locations in New England have dwindled down to one – a beautiful spot in Bedford – and their menu has expanded to include grilling and hot pot options, too. While we enjoyed dunking bread and vegetables into various cheese mixtures as an appetizer – we also got to grill plentiful portions of steak, chicken and pork on our table top stove and then finished the evening with a s’mores chocolate dip where we had a selection of brownies, Rice Krispie Treats, and fresh fruit. So satisfying!
We’re going to try to plan another get together soon, possibly in Salem or Newport now that the nicer weather is sticking around more consistently and we’ll be able to do more walking without freezing!
And a little later on this week, I’m going to have one of the silliest, kid/family-friendly dessert recipes you can whip up in no time at all for Easter!
’til then!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 