Ingredients
1-3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons lemon juice
6 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

Possible Dipping Items:
Cubed pound cake
Soft ladyfingers
Cubed brownies
Banana chunks
Fresh strawberries
Orange segments
Sliced pears or apples
Dried fruits
Chocolate chunks
Chocolate chip cookies

Instructions
In a medium saucepan combine the sugar and water and cook over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved. Use a pastry brush dipped in hot water to brush down any crystals from the sides of the pan. Increase the heat to high and continue to cook until the sugar is a medium-dark amber color, about 8 minutes. (The length of time will vary depending on the stovetop as well as on the saucepan you are using.)

Remove from the heat and carefully add the butter. Using caution, slowly add the heavy cream -- the mixture will splatter and bubble up. Swirl the pan until the sauce is smooth and the heavy cream is thoroughly combined. Remove from the heat and stir in the nuts. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes, then transfer to a fondue pot over a low flame and serve warm, with dipping items of choice.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Credits
Recipe from: Prime Time Emeril by Emeril Lagasse (William Morrow & Co)

Toffee Fondue Recipe

Ingredients
1 package Kraft caramels (large)
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup strong black coffee
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, optional
Apple wedges, cut 1-inch cubes
Banana chunks, cut 1-inch cubes
Marshmallows, cut 1-inch cubes
Angel food cake, cut 1-inch cubes

Instructions
Place caramels, milk, coffee and chocolate chips in top of double boiler. Cook over boiling water, stirring, until melted and blended. Place in fondue pot. Spear fruits, marshmallows and cake on fondue forks; dip into fondue.

Peanut Butter Fondue

Ingredients
1/4 cup - Packed brown suger
1/4 cup - corn syrup
2 tbsp - butter
1/4 cup - water
4 - marshmallows
2/3 cup - smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup - 2% evaporated milk
1 tsp - vanilla extract

Instructions
Step 1 - In a saucepan over low heat , combine brown sugar, corn syrup. butter and water; cook, stirring , for 5 minutes or until suger is dissolved. Add marshmallows, peanut butter and evaporated milk; continue to stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Transfer immediately to dessert fondue pot over candle flame. Stir occasionally to prevent excess thickening.

Step 2 - Spear a piece of fruit or cake with fondue fork and dip in fondue.

Cheesecake Fondue

Ingredients
8 oz - cream cheese, softened
1 jar - Marshmallow cream
2 tbsp - Milk
1 tsp - fresh lemon juice

Instructions:
Step 1 - In saucepan over medium-low heat, combine cream cheese and marshmallow cream; cook, whisking constantly, until cream cheese and marshmallow cream are melted. (Watch carefully to avoid scorching.) Slowing add milk, 1 tbsp at a time, stirring well to combine. Stir in lemon juice; mix well. Remove from heat and transfer immediately to dessert fondue pot over candle flame.

Step 2 - Spear a piece of fruit or cake with fondue fork and dip in fondue.