First of all, I’ve been craving CRAVING beer.  Obviously I can’t drink it, but I found a cheesy substitute that gives me enough beer flavor to keep me satisfied for at least 3 days.  Maybe 4.

From Tasty Kitchen (The one, the only: Pioneer Woman’s Cooking website – love it!)

• 1 loaf French Bread, Cubed
• ¼ cups Chopped Onion
• 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
• 1 Tablespoon Butter
• 1 cup Beer Or Nonalcoholic Beer
• 4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon All-purpose Flour
• 4 Tablespoons Half-and-Half Cream, Divided

Place bread cubes in a single layer in an ungreased 15-in x 10-in x 1-in pan. Bake at 450F for 5-7 minutes or until lightly crisp, stirring twice.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in beer. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low.

Toss cheese and flour; stir into saucepan until melted. Stir in 2 tbsp. half and half.

Transfer to a small ceramic fondue pot or slow cooker; keep warm.

Add additional half and half if fondue thickens. Served with toasted bread crumbs. Yield: 3 cups.

Nom nom nom nom. (that’s me eating a lot of melty cheese)

**NOTE: I boiled the beer a little bit longer than probably needed just to be sure I cooked off the alcohol… but I’m sure it’s not a big deal!  I’m not drinking the cheese… or am I?… **