Beer and cheddar fondue

1. Rub the bottom and sides of a heavy metal fondue pot* with the garlic halves; discard garlic. In fondue pot, combine the beer and bouillon. Bring to boiling over medium-high heat.

2. In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and the water. Add cornstarch mixture in a steady stream to beer mixture while stirring with a heat-resistant rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually stir in shredded cheeses, stirring after each addition until cheese melts.

3. Place fondue pot over fondue burner. Serve immediately with desired items for dipping. Spear item with a fondue fork or wooden skewer; dip into cheese mixture, swirling to coat. (Fondue will thicken as it holds over the burner.) Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Note: If you want to use a ceramic fondue pot, prepare fondue in a medium saucepan as above through Step 2. Transfer cheese mixture to ceramic pot and continue as directed in step 3.