Raclette dinner party recipes:
What to drink?
White wines such as Swiss Neufchatel Blanc (called Fendant from Valais and made from the Chasselas grape) are a good match. Or try your favourite dry or off-dry Canadian Riesling.
Beer is another traditional beverage of choice with raclette. Try a light brew, such as Stella Artois or Belle-Vue from Belgium, or German-made Beck's, or one from a Canadian microbrewery.
For a thirst-quenching nonalcoholic suggestion, try sparkling mineral water.
Raclette cheese and veggie instructions by The Canadian Living Test Kitchen:Originally published as "Raclette" in the March 2006 issue of Canadian Living Magazine.
There's about 3 oz (90 g) of cheese per person here, but heartier appetites (and cheese lovers) may want to have 5 oz (150 g), which would increase the total to 2-1/2 lb (1.25 kg). Serves 8.
Ingredients:
1-1/2 lb (750 g) raclette cheese
1-1/2 lb (750 g) cooked sausage (such as knackwurst) or cured sausage (such as smoked turkey or kielbasa)
2 cups (500 mL) drained pickles (such as cornichons, gherkins and cocktail onions)
1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
1 can (14 oz/398 mL) whole baby corn
24 small new potatoes (about 3 lb/1.5 kg)
Sweet paprika and pepper
Preparation:
Scrape away most tough rind from cheese. Thinly slice cheese into 3-1/2-inch (9 cm) squares or cut to fit raclette pan. Arrange on serving plate.
Diagonally cut sausages into 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick slices; arrange on separate serving plate. Place pickles in bowls.
In large saucepan of boiling salted water, cover and cook broccoli until tender-crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer to bowl of cold water to chill; drain and pat dry. Transfer to serving bowl.
Drain and rinse corn; pat dry. Place in serving bowl. (Make-ahead: Cover all prepared ingredients and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)
In same saucepan of boiling salted water, cook potatoes, covered, just until tender, 16 to 18 minutes; drain well. Transfer to cloth napkin-lined heatproof bowl; fold napkin over potatoes to keep warm. (Make-ahead: Let cool; refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat in microwave oven at high for 4 to 6 minutes.)
To serve, choose one of the following.
For the purist: Quarter potatoes; place on plate. Place 1 slice cheese in raclette tray; broil under raclette broiler until molten hot, melted and bubbly, about 2 minutes. Scrape over potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika and pepper to taste. Add pickles.
For variety: Arrange piece each of sausage, broccoli and baby corn in raclette tray; top with cheese and broil under raclette broiler.
For action: Chop potatoes; place in raclette tray. Top with cheese and broil under raclette broiler while grilling sausage on top portion of raclette grill.
Additional Information
-
Tips: Use top level of raclette grill to keep potatoes warm in a covered heatproof dish.
For ventilation, you may want to open a window while grilling. Cooking less fatty foods will reduce smokiness, too.
Read more: How to host a fondue party
Comment reported
Thank you for reporting this comment as inappropriate.
Back to Comments »