How to host a fabulous Winter Raclette party

There's nothing like melty cheese to warm the cockles of your heart in winter.  Most people are familiar with fondue but I think I also like the lesser known cousin...raclette.

Raclette is a semi-hard cheese that originates from Valais, Switzerland. Is is said that Swiss cow herders used to take Raclette cheese with them when they are out and about with their herd. Then they would light a fire and roast the cheese. These days, the cheese is warmed on a pan and scraped onto boiled potatoes. In Switzerland and the French Alps, it's a popular dish after a hard day's work of skiing.

I was hosted by my French friend recently; She threw a wonderful raclette party for 12. I realize that it's actually a nice fuss free way of entertaining. Your guests cook their own food and they're having so much fun in the process.

So here's three easy steps to get started with your raclette party: 

1/ Get one of these cool raclette grills. You basically melt the raclette cheese with your individual pans, that can be slotted into the grill. You can grill vegetables on top or cook crepe on the top of the raclette grill, but that's for another party! You can get one of these raclette grills on Amazon. 

(6 person raclette grill) 

2/ Besides the raclette cheese, you can put together a charcuterie plate of saucisson, cuts of meat like parma ham and bowls of olives and cornichons on the side.

If you're in the Bay area, you can order your raclette and a variety of dried cured meats from an artisan shop or Frenchery.com. Serve with a bowl of boiled baby potatoes and maybe even a salad. 

Easy. 

By the way, my French friend adds that you should be enjoying raclette with white wine. And end the meal with herbal tea. 

3/ Don't forget to create an atmosphere - a winter lodge or swiss chalet feel. You don't have to do much to your table setting, as your ingredients will be the star of the table. Light a fire in the fireplace, put on some cool music and you're all set. 

Bon Apetit!