Fireside Dinner: Raclette with Traditional Garnish
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Cooking time: 45 minutes
(including dessert) for menu, 25 before eating Cooking schedule: see below for menu instructions |
There is something about ending a busy week with a lazy meal in front of the fireplace that is almost universally appealing. If you have a raclette grill get everything organized, pop the apple crisps in the oven, light a fire and cook as you eat (boil the potatoes first). If you don't have one, you'll need an intermediate trip to the oven. If you don't have a fireplace, gather up all of your candles and place them strategically. You can see how this easily expands for a party!
Raclette with traditional garnish, the French version Time: 30 minutes
The Swiss or Alpine version would normally not include meat, just a plate of boiled potatoes covered with the melted raclette cheese and garnished with the pickles and onions. The French add thinly sliced cured meats and a bit of bread. Get the meats at the deli counter for a nice variety. A good semi-sweet German or Alsatian wine is the perfect accompaniment.
6 oz (180gr) good Raclette cheese 3 oz (90gr) per person
6 small or 2 medium potatoes, enough for two
6 oz (180gr) thinly sliced smoked or cured meats I had salami, Prosciutto, and a local duck sausage
pickled onions, 12 - 15 little ones
small French Cornichons, dill pickles or gherkins 12 - 15 little ones
bread, something from the bakery, focaccia? I had 2 small black olive focaccia
Cut potatoes into bite-size pieces and cook in boiling water just until done, about 15 minutes. Slice cheese about 3/8 inch (.4cm) thick.
If you have raclette grill: Put potatoes, cheese, onions and pickles in small bowls. Arrange meats on a plate. Slice bread if needed. Take everything to where ever you're going to eat. Each person serves themselves as they eat. Eat by melting small amounts of cheese and eating with potatoes, onions, pickles and cured meats. There is no wrong way to do this!
If you do not have raclette grill: Divide the cheese in half. Place half of the cheese in one or 2 (individual) baking dishes. Put in 375F (185C) oven until melted. Take everything else to where ever you're going to eat. When the cheese has melted, start to eat. When you feel like it put the rest of the cheese in the oven to melt. Each person serves themselves as they eat.
Note: The traditional Swiss way is to put a large wedge of Raclette in front of a roaring fire (on a cold night after skiing, of course). As it melts, they scrape off the melted cheese and serve with potatoes, onions and pickles.
Individual Apple Crisps Time: 45 minutes
These little Crisps are quick to go together and bake in just 30 minutes. Perfect to have in the oven while you eat a leisurely dinner. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt if you like. I use small baking dishes that are about 4" (10cm) in diameter.
1 large or 2 smaller cooking apples, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious
2 tbs brown sugar
2 tbs flour
2 tbs rolled oats
2 tbs chilled butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
a bit more butter
Butter individual baking dishes or one small baking dish. Peel and slice apples and spread in baking dish. Mix sugar, spices, flour and oats. Cut in butter, using a pastry cutter, 2 knives or forks, until it resembles small pebbles. Sprinkle over apples. Bake 30 minutes at 375F (185C), until top is bubbly.
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Cooking schedule: 45 minutes for menu |
Butter baking dish |
Cooking for Two? Or more?
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