Recipe: Brie and Wild Mushroom Fondue (using shiitake and dried porcini mushrooms)

BRIE AND WILD MUSHROOM FONDUE
From: Terrie,.MD

I went to an "All Fondue" party last winter, and this was a highlight

1 cup water
1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms*
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
8 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped shallot
1 pound ripe Brie cheese, well chilled, rind trimmed, cheese cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup dry white wine
FOR SERVING:
Bite-size pieces of cooked chicken, steamed quartered small red-skinned potatoes, steamed asparagus or green beans, and bite-size pieces of French bread or focaccia

Bring 1 cup water to boil in small saucepan. Add porcini mushrooms. Remove from heat and let stand until mushrooms soften, about 20 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer porcini to work surface. Coarsely chop porcini. Reserve porcini and soaking liquid.

Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add shiitake mushrooms and saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Add shallot; saute 1 minute.

Add porcini and soaking liquid, leaving any sediment from liquid behind. Increase heat to high. Simmer until liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes.

(Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and chill.)

WHEN READY TO SERVE:
Toss Brie with cornstarch in large bowl to coat; set aside.

Add wine to mushrooms. Bring to simmer over medium heat. Add cheese to mushrooms in 3 batches, whisking after each addition until cheese melts before adding more. Continue whisking until mixture is smooth and just begins to simmer (do not boil). Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer fondue to fondue pot. Serve with cooked chicken, vegetables and bread for dipping.

*Dried porcini mushrooms are available at Italian markets, specialty foods stores and many supermarkets.