Before I could say, "Wait I'll do that…" my Mother in Law stood up on the chair and pulled out the raclette machine from the kitchen cupboard. With the raclette machine cradled in her arms, I noticed it was nearly as big as she was, she found her balance, then hopped off the chair.
I don't know what was more impressive my mother in law and her endless, teenage energy, or her tiny frame manhandling that monster of a machine. Whatever it is I stood in awe at her spunk.
To have a raclette it must be cold, preferrably snowing, and always it is best in the mountains. Especially when the cheese is locally made, and the wine runs steady.
My mother in law washed les rattes and the new potatoes, then added carrots, broccoli and red onions before steaming them to tender perfection. I sauteed some garbanzo beans in garlic, curry and cracked pepper (like my friend Carrie served when I was in Ireland). My mother in law is a true gourmand, her taste buds were sparked by the scent of the curry and texture of the crunchy garbanzo beans. I asked, "Do you want to try some?" She opened her mouth and I popped a spoonful inside.
Not a traditional thing, crunchy garbanzo beans, to add to a raclette, nor my French mother in law snacking before the meal, but she has come to expect the unexpected with her American daughter in law.
A heaping pile of raclette is cut into small pieces, to fit on the small little pans that silde under the grill of the raclette machine to melt.
It is impressive to see the stack of raclette, like a Matterhorn. More so how fast it disappears. I have never seen a piece of raclette stand alone like a piece of cheese in a well known song, it always finds a willing partner to escort it home.
Monika you did it, you answered the French Lesson Quiz to perfection! Merci (send me your address via email and I will send you some hot chocolate mix.)!!
Yes, they had onions for lunch, and their breath reaked of it.
Sacha wore purple 'cause that is the school colors of WHS, which he loves, in my hometown in California.
Chelsea was cracking up because she had a cramp in her leg, after skiing too fast, and it felt like a tickle.
I wish my cramps felt like tickles!
How to Enjoy a Raclette:
Add a piece of raclette to the melting pan of the raclette machine,
as it melts,
Pour yourself a glass of wine (I prefer red),
Add some potatoes and toppings to your plate,
Then pour the melted Raclette on top.
Since the raclette melting pans are small, holding one or two pieces of cheese, each serving is small as well.
Though many small servings are served.
Sacha had a thousand servings.
You can buy a super duper chic raclette machine... one that would impress most dinner guests, knocking their socks off, and putting you on a TV show for hip coolness. Or you can find one like my mother in law's, making everyone feel warm, cozy and wanting to kiss you.
Feasting on cheese and potatoes on a cold day up in the Alps… Thank you for joining me on our family ski trip!
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