The Cheese Stands Alone: Decoding a Savory Crossword Conundrum
Another day, another crossword puzzle demanding our attention! And today’s clue, “Like fondue,” has that particular chewy quality, a delicious paradox that simultaneously points in a very specific direction while also offering enough wiggle room to keep us guessing. It’s the kind of clue that tickles the brain and begs for a slow, deliberate unraveling.
We’ve all encountered fondue, of course. The communal pot, bubbling with melted cheese (or chocolate!), the long forks, the anticipation of that perfectly coated morsel. It’s an experience as much as it is a food. But how does one translate that
experience
into a concise answer that fits the prescribed squares of a crossword?
The key, as always, lies in considering every facet of the word “fondue.” Think beyond the mere act of dipping bread or fruit. Consider the
texture
of fondue. It’s not just melted; it’s often described as smooth, rich, and clinging. Think about the
preparation
involved: cheese carefully melted with wine and perhaps a hint of garlic or Kirsch. The process isn’t haphazard; it requires careful attention to detail to achieve that ideal consistency.
Then there’s the
communal aspect
. Fondue is rarely a solitary pursuit. It’s about sharing, conversation, and the gentle competition for the last, cheesy morsel. This social element might be a clue within the clue, guiding us towards a word that embodies togetherness or shared experience.
Let’s break down some potential avenues of thought. We need a word, or perhaps a hyphenated phrase, that describes a characteristic inherent to fondue. It could be:
A descriptor of the cheese:
Think about adjectives used to describe perfectly melted cheese. Words like “gooey,” “melty,” or even something more sophisticated like “emulsified” could be relevant, depending on the word length required.
A description of the dipping process:
Consider the act of dipping itself. Is there a word that captures the way food is coated in fondue? Something along the lines of “covered” or “saturated” perhaps?
A feeling or sensation:
What emotion does fondue evoke? Is it comforting? Luxurious? Indulgent? Words like “rich,” “creamy,” or even something more abstract like “convivial” could fit the bill if the crossword setter is being particularly clever.
An ingredient or element of preparation:
The clue might hinge on a key component of fondue. Is there a specific cheese variety that would fit? Or perhaps a term related to the cooking process itself?
Consider the placement of the clue within the grid. Are there any intersecting letters that might provide a crucial starting point? Even a single letter can dramatically narrow down the possibilities. Don’t underestimate the power of negative space!
Also, pay attention to the tense and grammatical structure. The clue uses “Like,” suggesting we’re looking for an adjective or something comparable. Be sure the potential answer grammatically aligns with the clue.
Ultimately, solving this crossword clue requires a multi-pronged approach. We must combine our knowledge of fondue, our understanding of crossword conventions, and our powers of deduction to arrive at the satisfying “Aha!” moment. Now, sharpen your mental forks and let’s see if we can unravel this cheesy conundrum!
Available Answers:
SWISS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Saturday’s Daily By Malaika Handa / Ed. Patti Varol