Traditional Raclette

Description
The world's most famous melting Cheese, raclette is made in the Alps on both sides of the French-Swiss border. The French version is perhaps a bit softer than Swiss raclette, but the two taste very similar. raclette has a semi-soft interior dotted with small holes and a rosy inedible rind. Eaten as a table Cheese, raclette has a smooth, creamy taste that is neither too salty nor sharp. However, it does tend to have a strong, pungent aroma that is not for the timid. This Cheese is traditionally melted (a half wheel is placed in a fireplace, then the melted top surface is continuously scraped off) and layered atop boiled potatoes, pickles, fresh vegetables and sliced meats.



Ingredients

 * 1 lb raclette cheese
 * 24 new potatoes
 * pickled pearl onions
 * French cornichons
 * crusty French bread

Directions

 * 1) Boil potatoes until tender, drain, cut into halves and set aside.
 * 2) Preheat oven to 450°F.
 * 3) Trim rind off cheese and cut into 4 even pieces.
 * 4) Place one piece onto each of four ovenproof plates.
 * 5) Heat the cheese for a few minutes until thoroughly melted.
 * 6) Mix cheese with potatoes, onions and cornichons.
 * 7) Serve with crusty French bread.