I first read about Raclette in my Swiss cookbook.
Raclette is a popular cheese in Switzerland which is eaten in a very specific manner, and the appeal has obviously spread to the US, given the fact that there are more than a dozen "Raclette party grills" to choose from in just the first page of results from an Amazon search of "Raclette."
In Switzerland, the traditional method is to melt the cheese up against a fire, then have plenty of cooked potatoes and pickled onions and cornichons on hand to eat with the melted cheese. Today, most of us in the US do not have a fire available in order to melt cheese, so this is where the Raclette grills come in handy. Although I'd love to have one, I can't justify having one in my already filled kitchen cabinets, so I'll show you how I like to prepare this traditional Swiss treat.
RACLETTE with POTATOES & CORNICHONS
small, red potatoes, boiled (do not peel)
Raclette cheese slices
cornichons
Preheat broiler (grill.)
Cut the potatoes in half and place on a baking tray.
Cut a slice of cheese approximately the same size as each potato half and lay it on top.
Place under a preheated broiler, watching carefully until the cheese has melted.
Now, place a small cornichon on each potato half and serve immediately.
These make delicious appetizers, or a full meal if you accidentally eat too many!
Looking for similar type appetizers or snacks? Try these~
I love Raclette, this is so simple but sounds absolutely delicious. I love every component. For me the simpler the better and usually you get the best results.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Suzanne! You can taste the individual flavors when things are made simply! CC
DeleteOh my gosh, raclette might just be my favorite dish. When I was in London this past summer, I tried to eat it everyday at Borough Market. Now I have the inspiration to make it here, thanks Christina!
ReplyDeleteWow! I guess you really do love it! You'll just have to make it a point to go to Switzerland and have it there (and I'd love to join you!!) ;) CC
DeleteWe just had a raclette dinner the other evening (my husband and I fell in love with raclette as a party meal when we lived in Germany). There were such fun ingredients to make the little trays of 'small bites' ... smoked ham, prosciutto, marinated Portabellas, strips of red pepper, fresh spinach ribbons, onions and black pepper, Emmentaller and smoked Gouda cheese slices, boiled fingerling potatoes, and flour tortillas ... we nibbled for an hour or so with a good bottle of wine to sip while the little trays cooked away ... it's such a relaxing and fun way to spend mealtime!
ReplyDeleteOh, Susan, you've just made me want to take a trip to Europe so badly! That sounds like heaven to me! Will definitely have to do that on our next trip over. That's wonderful that you had such a lovely meal and now have a beautiful memory of it! CC
DeleteOh I wish I new the difference between the cheeses :) Cheese and cornichons sounds really strange combination :D
ReplyDeleteI love cornischons, and this is such a cute appetizer. Your photos are so tempting, I just want to grab one of these!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue! I'm so glad you stopped by and appreciate your comments! CC :) P.S. Have you entered to win the Green & Black's chocolates/cookbook on the Buttermilk Cupcakes post?
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