Raclette Recipes

Steps:

• In a large pot combine 8 cups water, potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt. Place over high heat to bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, 15 to 25 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• If you have oven-proof plates, preheat a broiler. If you do not have oven-proof plates, preheat oven to 250 degrees. When cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Divide the warm potatoes, cut-side up, evenly among four plates, arranging them in a pinwheel pattern.
• Arrange one quarter of the cheese slices in a single layer over each portion of potatoes, taking care to completely cover all potatoes. Broil or bake until cheese melts, about 3 minutes in a broiler or 10 minutes in an oven.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with scallions sprinkled on top. Cornichons, pickled onions and pickled cauliflower are optional accompaniments. If desired, the dish may be served with a green salad.

Steps:

• Have a knife ready and small plates to serve. Arrange potatoes, pickles, onions, caper berries, ham, and tomatoes on a serving platter. Place cheese on a clean stone or a heatproof board or tile as close to the fire as possible. As the top of the cheese melts, scrape off cheese onto potatoes and accompany with garnishes. It takes some time between servings for the cheese to continue to melt, so have some wine or kirsch handy to keep guests happy.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Place the potatoes in a medium pot, cover with water by one inch, add 1 tablespoon salt, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are barely tender when tested with a wooden skewer. Drain and cover with a kitchen towel to steam for 5 minutes. Cut in half lengthwise and set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large (12-inch) sauté pan, add the chorizo, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning often, until browned. Drain all but a tablespoon of the fat from the pan, add the potatoes, and toss to combine with the chorizo and fat. Off the heat, stir in the wine, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
• Divide the sausage and potatoes among four gratin dishes. Arrange the raclette in one layer over the potatoes and chorizo. Distribute the thyme sprigs on top. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is hot and bubbly.
• Remove the gratins from the oven, place the cornichons on top, and serve hot with the bread and mustard.

Steps:

• Start by making the vinaigrette. Put the mustard and red wine vinegar into a bowl or jug and whisk together. Add salt and pepper then slowly add the sunflower oil, whisking as you go until the mixture is thick and smooth. Stir in the chopped chives and store in the fridge until needed.
• Boil the potatoes for 15-18 mins or until tender. Drain, leave to steam dry for a few mins then add the butter, keep warm until serving.
• Arrange all the other ingredients in bowls, plates and platters on the table. Set up and turn on the raclette machine according to manufacturer's instructions - you may want to set the raclette machine on a heatproof tray to catch any melty cheesy drips.
• Let your guests help themselves to ingredients - if your raclette machine has a top hot plate use this to keep the potatoes warm or crisp them up and use to cook the peppers if you don't want them raw.
• Get stuck in! Everyone should have their own mini handled tray on which to put a slice or two of raclette cheese. This then sits under the central grill until melted. With an arrangement of potatoes and/or cured meats etc on their plate, your guests can then scrape their own portion of melted cheese on top with a wooden paddle or spoon. Leave the jug of vinaigrette on the table so it can be drizzled over the potatoes or salad leaves to taste. Serve with crusty bread on the side.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Arrange raclette cheese in six 3- to 4-inch or one 8- to 10-inch cast iron skillet(s), cutting wedges to fit as necessary.
• Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is softened but still slightly firm in center, 5 to 10 minutes. Use a ventilation fan while baking; the cheese is pungent!
• Sprinkle cheese with thyme and pepper to serve.