Raclette
By: Sheri Wetherell

About

Raclette is both a type of cheese and a dish made with this cheese. Traditional Raclette is a semi-firm, salted cheese made from cow's milk, and is formed into large rounds (up to 13 lbs). Some varieties are made with white wine, pepper or herbs, or are smoked. The cheese originated in the Switzerland, but today is also produced in France as well as the United States.
The dish Raclette is indigenous to parts of Switzerland, Wallonia and France. The Raclette cheese round is heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates. The term "raclette" is actually derived from the French verb "racler", meaning "to scrape".

Information
Translations: Αλογα και εξοπλισμός, ラクレット, RACLETTE, Раклет, Раклетт, 拉克雷特, Раклетт, Raclet, Раклет


Physical Description
Semi-firm, smooth interior with a thin edible rind.
Colors: Pale, light yellow


Tasting Notes
Flavors: Uniquely aromatic, salty
Mouthfeel: Creamy, Luscious, Delicate
Food complements: Potatoes, Bread, Charcuterie or cured hams and meats, Cornichons or dill pickles
Wine complements: Fendant, Reisling or white wine, Hot tea
Beverage complements: Beer or other light, Crisp wine
Substitutes: Tilsit, Gruyère, Comté, Appenzeller, Emmentaler, Morbier


Selecting and Buying
Choosing: If possible, source your Raclette from either Switzerland or France. Like any cheese the terroir, or where the product originates, especially regarding the cultivation of the land, the water source, combined with the craftsmanship determine the quality of the cheese.
Buying: Raclette cheese has become more commonplace in speciality markets, cheese shops and gourmet stores that offer imported foods. It is also possible to buy Raclette cheese online, and have it delivered directly to your door. When ordering this way, you will need to plan in advance for the shipping time.
Procuring: As it was before and still is today, Swiss Raclette is made from cows that graze in alpine meadows in the Swiss Alps bordering France. The milk from these cows hint at flowers and grasses unique to that region.


Preparation and Use
Raclette is an excellent melting cheese and when sliced thinly will add a dramatic flavor enhancement to any warmed cheese dish.
Cleaning: When used with a raclette grill, clean-up is fairly simple. Many raclette grills have non-stick surfaces and their cooking parts are dishwasher safe.