Somewhere around eight months ago or so, my entire worldview shifted…all thanks to Raclette. It sounds dramatic – I know. But, after I explain why, you’ll understand.
If you weren’t already aware, I work for a French food & wine agency as my full-time job, so when I’m not writing or cooking for Moments, I’m fully enveloped in European culture and ideals.
Last winter, we had our annual holiday party where my French coworkers and I closed our laptops for the season. We listened to both French AND American holiday classics and drank plenty of wine. It was as soon as we were called into the kitchen for the dinner-portion of the evening that everything changed. In this moment, I was introduced to what would become one of my all-time favorite meals/activities/obsessions: Raclette.
Yes, we’ve already mentioned raclette once – or maybe more than once – on the blog. BUT, if we haven’t managed to convince you yet, this is your sign from above. (or us, your recipe gurus for all intents-and-purposes).
How to…
Bringing that French touch into your home and kitchen is much easier than you might think. In my eyes, the beauty of French culture and style lies in the simplicity. They really pair things down and keep the focus on what’s good, fresh, and natural. High-quality ingredients, products, and materials is really the way to go.
With raclette, for example, simply placing some delicious meats, vegetables, and potatoes on your raclette grill and letting the cheese do it’s magic is all you need! From there, some minimalistic linen napkins, bushels of lavender spread around the space, and lovely light breezes coming in through the windows will set the scene immaculately.
Why Raclette?
What really makes it French, even above the flavors and deliciousness of the raclette itself (gasp!), is the convivial nature of the meal. A simple prep that doesn’t stress out the host or hostess, slow-moving conversation and relaxed eating, and splashes of wine as needed. That’s the secret, right there! Just enjoy the process and lean into the moment.
Before you know it, you’ll be headed out for lingering alfresco lunches and afternoon conversations before you know it!
For a complete step-by-step on what you’ll need for the perfect raclette night, and how to do it, check out our post here!
Au revoir!
Raclette
Equipment
- 1 Raclette Grill
Ingredients
- Raclette cheese
- Zucchini, sliced into discs
- Onions, sliced
- Potatoes, peeled, boiled, and cubed
- French baguette
- Prosciutto – if you’re adding meat to your table
Instructions
- Lay out your ingredients. Prepare the vegetables, baguette, cheese, onions, prosciutto, and potatoes. Once all elements have been sliced and prepared accordingly, place each on their own plate or serving dish and add to the table surrounding the Raclette grill.
- Preheat the Raclette grill. Once it's hot, add a slice or two of the Raclette to the trays underneath the grill top. Let those cook until their gooey and bubbly. Meanwhile, add your vegetables and meats to the grill and cook to desired done-ness. As soon as all of your ingredients are ready to go, with a spatula or tongs, add them to your plate. Pour the cheese overtop and enjoy!
