RACLETTE ON THE MENU!

A LOVE STORY ABOUT “ROASTED CHEESE”

Raclette dates all the way back to the Middle Ages, when Swiss shepherds and mountaineers in the region of the Cantons of Valais would consume roasted cheese wheels cut in half and softened by the fire. Over the centuries, this rustic dish has evolved and become so popular that it’s now known as one of Switzerland’s most famous national dishes!

TO EACH THEIR OWN TRADITIONS!

In Switzerland, raclette is prepared by placing half a cheese wheel in a machine equipped with a heating element. Once the first layer of cheese is completely melted, it is scraped directly onto your plate.

In Quebec, it’s more common to see raclette devices placed in the centre of the table. These devices are equipped with individual compartments for each diner to melt their cheese in, meaning everyone is free to enjoy their raclette however they like best!

SIMPLICITY AND CONVIVIALITY

Once all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go, raclette is an easy and laidback dinner option and the perfect way to spend quality time with friends and family. Planning a weekend at the cottage, or a day of hiking? Raclette is the ideal “after-ski” meal! Gourmet and comforting, everyone can let their imagination run wild when it comes time to fill their plates and their stomachs!

Here are a few tips and tricks for the perfect raclette dinner.

RACLETTE CHEESE

Traditionally, raclette cheese comes from Switzerland; it is a raw, semi-hard, mildly flavoured cheese made from cow’s milk. Today, other producers (for example in France or Quebec) also make excellent cheeses that are great for raclette.

For an evening of discovery and to make sure you have something for everyone, opt for a selection of cheeses, from classic to flavoured (pepper, garlic, herbs, wine) to strong (Morbier).

WITH OR WITHOUT THE RIND?

Did you know that the orange rind on raclette cheese can be eaten? In fact, once melted, it pairs nicely with the other cheeses and adds a touch of flavour!

IDEAS FOR A DELICIOUS RACLETTE AND SIDES

Wondering what to buy for your raclette? The side dish possibilities are endless: raclette meats, vegetables, condiments . . .

• Meat: marinated sliced beef, chicken, or pork, game or duck sausage, fondue meat
• Delicatessens: sausage, Italian charcuterie (speck, bresaola), dried ham, Grisons meat
• Seafood: shrimp or scallops
• Bread: baguette, sweet bread, olive fougasse
• Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, fennel, baby potatoes
• Fruit: apples, pears

PREPARATION:

• Chop and blanch the firmer vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower.
• Slice vegetables such as mushrooms and peppers.
• Pre-boil your baby potatoes.

TO ELEVATE YOUR RACLETTE GAME, ADD:

• Marinades (onions, pickles, olives)
• Spicy sauces for the meat and seafood (barbecue, Asian, curry, yogurt and fresh herbs, mayo-pesto)
• Walnuts
• Quality white or red balsamic vinegar

HOW MUCH PER PERSON?

120 g (4 oz.) sliced raclette cheese (or you can slice it yourself)
90 to 120 g (3 to 4 oz.) charcuterie
1 to 1 ½ cups of vegetables
3 to 4 slices of bread
About 60 ml (1/4 cup) pickles and cocktail onions (optional)

TIP: USE YOUR LEFTOVERS!

Have leftover raclette cheese? Good! It’s delicious for brunch, lunch, or supper: croque-monsieur, savoury cakes, pizza, root vegetable gratin, pasta gratin, quiche, etc.

If you don’t feel like using your leftovers just yet, go ahead and freeze them! Just wrap the cheese in cling wrap or place in a freezer bag. You’ll be happy to have it on-hand for those last-minute weeknight meals!

LEFTOVERS recipes

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 10 minutes

Roast beef and raclette cheese sandwich

Skirt steak rolls stuffed with OKA raclette cheese

Prep time 30 minutes

Cook time 15 minutes

Skirt steak rolls stuffed with OKA raclette cheese

Bison Medallions with Red Wine and Berry Sauce

Prep time 20 minutes

Cook time 15 minutes

Bison Medallions with Red Wine and Berry Sauce

REINVENT BRUNCH WITH A RACLETTE BREAKFAST

Raclette . . . at 11 in the morning? Why not? It’s never too early to enjoy the million and one possibilities that come with eating raclette! For a raclette breakfast, prepare a spread of ham, bacon, eggs, and pancakes, and let everyone make their own plates. Enjoy!

OMELETTES

Omelettes are a great raclette breakfast option. Simply prepare a batch (this recipe is delish), and then let everyone garnish their own omelette themselves with toppings such as vegetables, cheese, and meat.

PANCAKES

Same thing goes for pancakes: simply prepare the batter, then let everyone bake their own and garnish as they please!

Tip: transfer the batter to a squeeze bottle and let the kids have fun making silly pancake shapes, such as stars, hearts, and smiley faces. And why not caramelize some apples in butter and brown sugar while you’re at it? Everyone will love that!

Other sweet toppings include chocolate chips, whipped cream, fruits, coulis, and maple syrup.

MAKE THE FUN LAST WITH DESSERT RACLETTE

That’s right! Your raclette oven can even be used for dessert! Use the heated plates to warm cake, chocolate, fruit, marshmallows, and cookies. You can even make soufflé cakes and then let everyone decorate them however they want!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RACLETTE OVEN

Before buying a raclette oven, consider the size of the device: is the grilling plate large enough for the number of guests you’re expecting? Are there enough individual heated plates?

Next, consider the following features:

Is the temperature adjustable?
Is it a non-stick grilling plate?
Is the grilling plate reversible? Can it be used for both regular and breakfast raclette?