Brie and Caramelized Onion Fondue

Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar and cook until caramelized, about 3 minutes longer. Add vinegar and thyme and cook until all liquid evaporates, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cool onion mixture.

Toss brie with cornstarch in large bowl. Bring wine, lemon juice and garlic to simmer in heavy large saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 handful of cheese to wine and whisk until almost melted. Repeat with remaining cheese in about 5 more batches. Continue whisking until completely melted and fondue begins to bubble, about 1 minute. Transfer to fondue pot and keep warm over fondue burner. Top fondue with caramelized onions and serve. Accompany with a platter of assorted dippers, fondue forks and plates.

DIPPERS: Crusty bread, apple wedges, pear wedges, crusty bread, olive foccacia, smoked sausage rounds, Belgian endive wedges, blanched asparagus, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower florets and carrot sticks, boiled new potatoes.

VARIATIONS: Crumble 1/2 cup gorgonzola over caramelized onions and fondue just before serving.