Explosion-preventable fondue lighter fluid question

[emilycat]

Hello, everyone.

I'm in a bit of a jam and hoping someone out there can offer up a bit of advice -- otherwise, I'm just going to experiment, and may blow my kitchen up.

I'm doing fondue tonight and managed to lose my lighter fluid (methylated spirits). I have a Le Creuset, so the Sterno (sp?) stuff and gel packs won't do. Anyway, I've called all around, and no one here within rush-hour driving distance has what I need. Would it be bad to just use normal lighter fluid or drinking alcohol, like vodka? Okay, stop laughing now; I really have no clue.

Any ideas?

[sneezles]

Sorry, Emily, but I would have to say no to both of your substitutes! You can't put the gel in the burner for your pot?

[Beth]

If you're doing a cheese fondue, can you use a tealight or small candle? I would not try something that was not designed for a fondue pot or could be uncontrollable. Not the kind of heat you want from a valentine dinner! Lighter fliud and drinking alcohol will burn hotter and faster than you want, and you could easily have a major fire.

Another possibility would be to have a dinner near the stove, either standing or reheating as needed. Not the best, but better than a 911 call. Also, have you tried Target or Walmart? I was in Target last night buying some fondue forks and they had 3 different fuel sources there (sterno, candles and a liquid in a bottle).

[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 02-14-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 02-14-2001).]

[emilycat]

Thanks, both of you! I really wouldn't have experimented, you know.... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Anyway, my mom suggested that I spoon some sterno into my little container that the fluid usually goes into, so I'm gonna try it.

Sorry to alarm anyone!

[Beth]

I have to admit that I came back to see if anything else was posted here before I went to bed. I told my husband about the post and we were thinking about the fact that even if lighter fluid worked, we couldn't stand to eat anything in the same room, maybe same house. Hope it went well.