Surprise your friends with the Raclette grill!

Raclette… what the heck is raclette?

Well, think of it as a combination of fondue and barbecue. It is the funniest way to throw a party, a meeting or a celebration for your family.

It’s special. It’s unique. And you will surprise your friends when you invite them to a different dinner. It is the name of a meal that can be a full meal or just a fun appetizer.

The name comes from the practice of melting cheese and the French word “racler” meaning “to scrape off.”

History buffs will tell you that this custom of melting cheese began on the far slopes of the Valais region of Switzerland. This is recorded at the end of the 19th century. During the fall, when life cooled down and the harvest was drawing to a close, the grape harvesters would bring their lunches in bags or sacks made up of a small loaf of whole wheat bread, sometimes some cheese and always a bottle of wine.

As legend has it, the raclette custom began when men stabbed a piece of cheese with a large knife. Then they would go to the fire prepared to warm themselves and hold the stabbed cheese over the fire. As the cheese made contact it began to melt. The result was a beautiful golden texture perfect for dipping into bread or whatever else you had in your sacks.

As the men slowly scraped up the melted cheese, others recognized how good it all tasted. And good that it was! Thus begins a custom of grilling cheese that has a long tradition in both Switzerland and France.

Grilling Raclette cheese is only one part.

Not only will you be delighted with this fun and easy way to entertain, but anyone who introduces you to it will want their own grill right away.

These recipes are many and varied. I have tried to include a couple of the best ones and will continue to add more as time goes on. There are endless varieties and ways to use this wonderful way of cooking.

Below are some of my favorite recipes and some information about cheese and indoor grilling. Enjoy and grill to your heart’s content!

traditional switzerland

Classic or traditional Swiss raclette is a simple meal that everyone can enjoy. Invite your in-laws or your boss’s family to discover the absolutely unique and delicious taste of Switzerland.

What you will need:

– 2 pounds / 1 kg of small new potatoes

– 1 1/2 lbs/800 g Raclette Swiss cheese, sliced

Fittings:

– A selection of ham, such as prosciutto, Parma ham, etc.

– Chopsticks

– Gherkins, pickled onions

– Fresh pepper.

First, wash the potatoes and boil them with their skin on until cooked. Place the potatoes, cheese, and all the garnishes on the table. Place a slice of cheese on a raclette plate and place under the broiler to melt. When the cheese has melted, dredge it over the potatoes, gherkins, and pickled onions.

Grind fresh pepper on top and enjoy the melted cheese mixture you just made with your choice of ham and a piece of warm baguette. This serves 8 people.

A wonderful wine to drink with this meal is a light white wine like Swiss Neufchatel Blanc or California Fumé Blanc.

Other cheeses such as Tilsit, Gray Alp Cheese, Appenzeller and Emmental can also be used.

Raclette Brie

Brie Raclette is a new twist on an old tradition. As our tastes evolve and time is always of the essence, substituting Brie for traditional Raclette cheese is a tasty and satisfying solution.

Finding Raclette cheese is not always easy. So when you’re in a rush, try this recipe using Brie cheese instead. A Brie Raclette will melt faster and the cheese is very easy to find at your local supermarket.

What you will need:

– 1 1/2 pounds brie cheese, rind removed

– 1 1/2 pounds small new potatoes or boiled potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces

– 1 1/2 pounds broccoli, thick stems removed, tops cut into florets

– 1 1/2 lbs mushrooms, halved or mushrooms, quartered large yew

– 2 tablespoons of cooking oil

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup of cocktail onion

First, heat the oven to 400°. Cut the Brie cheese into thin slices and divide the cheese among four small baking dishes or ramekins.

Next, put the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the broccoli florets to the pan and simmer until the potatoes and broccoli are just tender, about 5 more minutes. Remove broccoli with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Drain the potatoes and, if using new potatoes, quarter them when they are cool enough to handle.

Meanwhile, toss the mushrooms with the oil and salt. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet and roast until golden brown and tender, turning once, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, and then turn the oven off.

Place the cheese plates in the oven and cook until the cheese is melted, 5 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, pile potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, and cocktail onions onto individual plates. Serve each serving of melted Brie immediately, along with the vegetables for dipping.

Wine recommendation: Taste wines from the Loire Valley in France, such as Chinon or Saumur-Champigny. The fruity flavor not only complements this raclette dinner, but will make you feel warm, loved and oh so good!

Ready! There you have a beautiful meal to be enjoyed by all. A truly tasty cheesy delight. Enjoy!

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For more great recipes for raclette, fondue, and other types of appetizers and appetizer meals, visit Easy Appetizer Recipes at http://www.easy-appetizer-recipes.com