This fondue is kid- and adult-friendly; the kids think it tastes like pizza and the adults love the cheese flavour. Make a simple marinara sauce or buy a good-quality version in a jar. I like to keep marinara sauce frozen for quick and easy use. You can use anything for dipping, from chunks of good Italian bread to bread sticks to raw vegetables. If you have a piece of Parmesan rind, add that to the tomato sauce for greater flavour. (Remove it before serving.) If you have a fondue pot, drag it out, as it is the perfect way to serve it.

2 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup chopped onions
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
¼ cup white wine
1 28-ounce (796-gram) can crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon chili flakes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 to 4 cups grated mozzarella, mild cheddar, fontina or any melting cheese you like
Dippers:
Broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, green beans, celery, carrot, bread sticks

Heat oil in wide pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes or until softened slightly. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Pour in wine and bring to boil. Add tomatoes and chili flakes and let simmer for 20 minutes or until thickened. Season with salt and stir in basil.

Reduce heat and add cheese into sauce a little at a time, stirring to make sure it is well combined. If the sauce is a little lumpy, don't fret; the cheese has incorporated as well as it should and it will still taste great.

Place the final mixture in a pot set over a small burner or candle to keep it warm while people dip in their bread and vegetables. Serves 4 to 6.