Caquelon facts for kids
A caquelon is a special cooking pot used to make fondue. You might also hear it called a fondue pot. These pots are usually made from strong materials like stoneware, ceramic, cast iron with a shiny coating, or porcelain. They are designed to keep your fondue warm and delicious!
Where Does the Word "Caquelon" Come From?
The word caquelon comes from Swiss French. It started being used around the 1700s. It comes from an older French word, kakel, which itself came from the German word Kachel. Kachel means "glazed tile" or a type of earthenware casserole dish.
You'll hear the word caquelon used a lot in Switzerland. It's also common in certain parts of France, like the Franche-Comté and Provence regions.
How a Caquelon Works
A caquelon has a special design. The bottom of the pot is quite thick. This thickness is very important because it stops the melted cheese from burning. When you're eating fondue, the pot sits on a small burner right at your table. The thick bottom helps spread the heat evenly.
Even with a thick bottom, a yummy, crispy layer of cheese often forms at the very bottom of the pot. This delicious crust has special names! In German-speaking areas, it's called the Grossmutter, which means "grandmother." In French, it's known as La Religieuse, meaning "the nun." Once all the melted fondue is eaten, this crispy layer is carefully removed and shared among everyone at the table. It's a tasty treat!
See also
In Spanish: Caquelon para niños
