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Raclette FAQ

les amis du FROMAGE stocks Raclette all year round. Our selection varies from time to time, but it might include Swiss, French, Quebec, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks from BC. We sometimes offer other specialties around the holiday season.

We also have a generous selection of cornichons, pearl onions and balsamic onions

What is Raclette?

Raclette refers to both a type of cheese and a meal that has been a tradition in Switzerland for hundreds of years.

A soft, creamy cow’s milk cheese, Raclette originated in Valais, a French-speaking Alpine region of Switzerland. According to legend, a group of farmers or herdsmen set up camp one night and some bits of cheese they’d left on the rocks near the fire melted. They scraped the cheese off the rocks and discovered it was delicious. That’s where the term raclette comes from: the French racler means “to scrape.”

Raclette is comfort food at it’s best.

How do I Serve Raclette?

A modern way of serving raclette involves an electric table-top grill with small pans, known as coupelles, in which to melt slices of raclette cheese. Generally the grill is surmounted by a hot plate or griddle. The cheese is brought to the table sliced, accompanied by platters of boiled or steamed potatoes, other vegetables and charcuterie. These are then mixed with potatoes and topped with cheese in the small, wedge-shaped coupelles that are placed under the grill to melt and brown the cheese. Alternatively, slices of cheese may be melted and simply poured over food on the plate.

The emphasis in raclette dining is on relaxed and sociable eating and drinking, the meal often running to several hours.

What Should I Serve With Raclette?

Raclette is often enjoyed as a traditional meal with friends and family. There are lots of options for what to serve with it. We recommend you do a little research.

We like serving a simple salad to start, followed by Raclette and potatoes.

  • Steamed or boiled potatoes are traditional to serve alongside Raclette
  • Classic accompaniments include cornichons and pickled onions. We also like to serve Italian balsamic onions.
  • The Raclette machines can also grill vegetables and meats on the top.

How Much Raclette Should I Buy?

We recommend serving 150-200 grams per person if it is for the main meal. When we say main meal, we’re thinking you might have a salad, Raclette, and maybe some dessert.

If it is to be part of a larger meal, then 75-100 grams a person should do ok.

Do You Slice Raclette?

We are happy to slice Raclette for you. There is no charge for this service.

If you are in a hurry, just call us ahead, and we’ll do our best to have your order ready for you when your turn to be served comes up in the store. You can also pre-order online. Minimum 3 hours notice required. 

Do You Sell Raclette Machines?

We have a great selection of Raclette machines available for purchase. We sell Swissmar table top units, and Boska 1/4 wheel and 1/2 wheel units.

 

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