What d’ Heck is a Raclette?
It is a Swiss Alpine Cow’s Cheese and it is also the name of a romantic/intimate dinner among friends.
For more information see the Wikipedia page.
There is a 5 minute video about an outdoor Raclette party in the Swiss Alps on YouTube, which gives you an idea of the original way and how they still do it. “Swiss Raclette on fire”
I also published two posts about it on my eatsandmeats.com blog,
“The Raclette” and “Fondue vs. Raclette”
Equipment needed: A Raclette Table Grill, see the Amazon link below
Ingredients we served that worked:
MEAT: thinly sliced boneless Pork Loin, USDA Choice Beef Strip Steak(s), skinned and de-veined Raw Shrimp split lengthwise, sliced Luncheon Meat Ham and Salami or Pepperoni
CHEESE: Raclette, Jarlsberg Swiss, Muenster, Brie, shredded Mozzarella, Hot Pepper and a Mexican Blend.
PLANT BASED: Potatoes (cooked), Pearl Onions, Pickles (Cornichons), Onions – raw and fried, colored Peppers and raw and fried Mushrooms, asparagus (cooked) also preheated Carrots and Peas, and Jalapenos and Baked Garlic Cloves.
Thin sliced bread or baguette.
We added Salsa and Pizza Sauce, Frank’s Hot Sauce and Sambal Oleck, an assortment of dried Herbs and Spices, Capers and other ingredients we had in the Fridge or Cupboard, that we thought somebody would like to experience.
Set up: The main table was set up with the Raclette Grill in the middle, with Plates and Silverware. We placed side tables on all four corners, one with meat, one with Veggies, one with seasonings and don’t forget the one with drinks.
The whole meal was an interaction among all the participants, with the main conversation at the table centering on the food. Try this, reach me that, that did not work, that was delicious, let me have some more wine!
This is an event of trial and error and everyone has different tastes. The thing we found to stay away from was Chicken (chance of Cross Contamination).
Final recommendations, to add to the enjoyment of the evening, serve a soup and/or a salad as a starter, which eliminates some hunger pains in a few of your guests and if you entertain more than four, set up a second griddle or table top grill to precook the meat.
Merchandise and accessories for the Raclette experience can be found on
Amazon under the link here.
