Kitchen facilities.

There is a kettle, a large toaster, a cafetiere and a fondue set in addition to all of the usual implements. The hob is a halogen design with four rings. The microwave/grill works either as a microwave or a grill alone, or as a microwave plus grill. If you want the grill function alone (to warm up croissants) turn the top dial so that it is pointing upwards (a plate plus grill sign – but no number). It takes 1-2 minutes to get them nicely warm!

Swiss cheese fondue recipe

Ingredients

1 clove garlic, halved

290ml/1⁄2 pint white wine

1 tsp lemon juice 225g/8oz emmental cheese grated 225g/8oz gruyère cheese grated (the supermarkets will supply a grated mix)

1 tsp cornflour

1 tbsp kirsch (optional)

cubed bread pieces, for dipping

Preparation method

1. Rub the inside of the fondue pot with the garlic.

2. Add the wine and lemon juice to the pot and heat until boiling. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the cheeses until melted, stirring all the time.

3. If using kirsch, blend with the cornflour, otherwise use water. Add to the cheese mixture and cook gently until the mixture is smooth - don't let it boil or it will burn.

4. Using the fondue prongs, dip the bread cubes into the cheese and serve.