Camembert Fondue with Truffle Essence

Ingredients

 * 2 teaspoons minced shallots
 * 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter
 * 1 cup heavy cream
 * 1 1/2 teaspoons truffle butter or 1 teaspoon white truffle oil (*available at some specialty food shops)
 * 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh chives
 * 4 ounces Camembert Cheese, at room temperature


 * Accompaniments
 * fresh Pears, slices
 * grapes
 * walnuts
 * crusty raisin bread, sliced

Directions

 * 1) In a 1-quart heavy saucepan cook shallot in unsalted butter, covered, over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened.
 * 2) Add cream and simmer, uncovered, until reduced to about 2/3 cup.
 * 3) Remove pan from heat and stir in truffle butter or oil until incorporated.
 * 4) Season sauce with salt and pepper and sprinkle with chives.
 * 5) Cut Camembert into 4 pieces and arrange on 4 plates.
 * 6) Divide warm sauce among plates, spooning it on either side of Cheese.
 * 7) Arrange Pear slices, grapes, and walnuts around Cheese and serve bread on the side.