Raclette Preparation
The Basics:
You might be interested in our raclette
recipe book to help you prepare your perfect raclette meal.
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Cheese
Raclette cheese is usually sold cut from the wheel. Depending how
ripe the cheese is the rind can be quite soft or hard. Some people
prefer to melt the cheese with the rind on. The rind can have quite
a different flavour compared the main part of the cheese and is
usually very salty and crunchy when grilled under a raclette. Trim
off a thin layer of the outer rind using a sharp knife. Then use
an adjustable wire cheese cutter to slice cheese into thin slices
approximatley 2mm thick. The small bits can be cut into equal sized
cubes. To prevent the cheese sticking together you can place a layer
of wax/baking paper in between the slices. Place on a serving dish,
cover with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator. Let stand at
room temperature for 20mins before serving. The smell and taste
of the cheese is a lot different compared to it's aroma and flavour
when melted.
Potatoes
We recommend the Pontiac and Desiree potato varieties (the ones
with the pinkish/purply skin) as these have a tasty creamy texture.
Small Kipfler potatoes are also perfect and ideal for raclette.
The Pontiac, Desiree and Kipfler potatoes are great cooked in their
skins. The common washed Coliban, Sebago or "Chat" baby
potatoes are best suited for baking.
Microwave Method:
Wash small/medium sized potatoes, pierce a few holes in the skin with
fork and place in microwave dish and cover with lid. For 8 potatoes cook
on high for approx. 20mins (2.5 mins per potato). Turn over half way after
10 mins. When ready to serve place in a metal bowl or ovenproof dish without
lid and place on stone side of raclette grill to keep warm.The stone will
heat up slowly to create an evenly distributed heating surface which will
not overcook the potatoes.
Baking Method:
Preheat oven to 240°C. Wash small to medium potatoes and pat dry
with a paper towel. Make a cross shaped slit through the middle with knife
to allow steam to escape. Place on baking tray and bake for 55 mins. When
ready to serve place potatoes in metal pot or ovenproof bowl and onto
stone side of grill to keep warm.
Bread
Sliced French Baguette (cut on diagonal for a larger slice), Turkish
pita or other crusty loaf type breads can be placed in a basket
and covered with napkin or tea towel to prevent drying out. If you
wish you can drizzle olive oil over them or serve with butter. During
the meal they can be placed onto the top of the grill to toast slightly.
Please note: If this information is useful to you please
also have a look at our raclette
recipe book, full of mouth-watering recipes plus plenty information
on all things raclette!
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Pty Ltd (ACN 112 356 448)
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