Nothing says romance more than a pot a hot cheese. Although asking your sweetheart to share a pot of hot cheese on Valentine's Day may not get you the response that you're looking for. When you extend the invitation use the more romantic name for this delicious meal, fondue. A romantic fondue dinner is the perfect meal for a couple who plan to stay home on Valentine's Day.

A fondue dinner at home could be especially appealing to couples with young children. It's hard to find a babysitter on Valentine's Day so why not make the most of your night at home. Or perhaps you and your valentine are a young couple just getting started and an expensive night out isn't in the budget. Either way, fondue is the perfect meal for a romantic Valentine's Day.

Most people already have a fondue pot gathering dust in their closets somewhere. Now would be a perfect time to take it out and dust it off. If you don't already own a fondue pot then it's time to take the plunge and buy one. They are relatively in-expensive these days and think about all the romantic dinners you could make. Romantic Valentine's Day meals could become a regular event.

When buying a fondue pot, choose an electric one. They are the most versatile and some are even dishwasher safe. Electric fondue pots have their own heating element so you just dial in a temperature and you're all set. The pots that need sterno or a candle don't get hot enough to cook all fondue recipes. You may need to heat your ingredients on the stove and then transfer them to the fondue pot. Save yourself the hassle and get an electric fondue pot. The newest pots even have magnetic power cords that snap off when tugged. If you've ever cleaned hot cheese out of a carpet you'll know why this feature is important.

The perfect menu for Valentine's Day fondue s

Swiss Fondue 2 cups dry White Wine 1 Garlic Clove 1 lb Swiss Cheese 3 tbsp Flour 1 tbsp Lemon Juice 1/4 tsp White Pepper Salt to taste Nutmeg to taste Rub the inside of the fondue pot with the garlic clove and add clove to pot Heat up the White Wine & Lemon Juice on medium low heat - should be hot but do not boil Mix Flour and Cheese in a bowl Slowly add cheese mixture while stirring Add remainder of ingredients while stirring Optional: Add a splash of Kirsch or Blackberry Brandy To Dip: Italian bread cut into cubes, vegetables, flat breads Chocolate Fondue 8 oz Premium Chocolate (chopped) 1 cup Whipping Cream 2 tsp Grand Marnier (optional)

Over low flame, heat Cream until warm (DO NOT BOIL) Slowly add chocolate while stirring Mixture will become smooth Stir in liqueur

To Dip: Strawberries, Bananas, Apple Slices, Pound Cake, Angel Food Cake, Pretzels, Pineapple Chunks, Marshmallows

Staying at home on Valentine's Day isn't a bad thing. In fact it could be great if you create a romantic environment, set the mood, open a nice bottle of wine and serve fondue. You may never go out on Valentine's Day again.