HOW TO PREPARE RACLETTE.

Preparing raclette involves melting cheese and serving it with various accompaniments. Raclette is both a type of cheese and a Swiss dish centered around melting this cheese. Here’s how you can prepare raclette at home:

Ingredients and Equipment:

Raclette cheese (typically a wheel of raclette cheese, which can be found in specialty cheese shops)
Accompaniments such as boiled potatoes, cornichons (small pickles), pickled onions, pearl onions, cured meats (like prosciutto or salami), crusty bread, and fresh vegetables
Raclette grill or a special raclette melter (a device with small trays or paddles underneath a heating element)

Instructions:

Prepare the Accompaniments:

Wash and boil potatoes until tender. Keep them warm.
Arrange the other accompaniments on a serving platter or individual plates. This can include cornichons, pickled onions, cured meats, and sliced bread.

Prepare the Raclette Cheese:

If you have a raclette grill or melter, preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If not, you can use an oven-safe dish under a broiler.
Slice the raclette cheese into thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, depending on your preference.

Melt the Raclette Cheese:

Place the raclette cheese slices into the individual trays or paddles of the raclette grill or melter.
Slide the trays or paddles under the heating element or onto the grill and allow the cheese to melt slowly. It should become bubbly and slightly browned on top.

Serve:

Once the cheese has melted and is bubbling, carefully scrape it onto the accompaniments on each plate.
Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey.

Enjoy:

Each person can customize their plate with melted raclette cheese and their choice of accompaniments. Traditionally, the melted cheese is poured over boiled potatoes and enjoyed with pickles and cured meats.

Tips:

Variations: Experiment with different accompaniments based on your preference. Some like to add sliced fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
Cheese Substitutions: If you can’t find raclette cheese, you can try using other melting cheeses like gruyère or emmental, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Presentation: Raclette is often enjoyed as a communal meal where everyone gathers around the grill or melter to prepare and enjoy their servings.

Raclette is not just a dish but an experience, perfect for social gatherings or cozy evenings. It allows for interactive dining and is sure to be a hit with cheese lovers!