New Years Eve Raclette Style

Certain Someone and I needless to say were exhausted and jet lagged by the time New Years Eve rolled around. No overpriced parties and clubs for us. We decided to use the night as an occasion to catch up with couple who are old friends of ours. Last year Certain Someone purchased a Raclette grill for us. Many of his youthful single days were spent entertaining in this style. As I had kind of lost my kitchen mojo being inactive this was a perfect solution for New Years Eve. The first time I has Raclette was in Geneva visiting a friends house while in college. I remember the real authentic Raclette cheese . potatoes and the good wholesomeness of it. Certain Someone has taken more liberties than what I remember , but that even makes Raclette more fun.

Raclette is both a cheese and a type of grill with Swiss origins. It consists of a grill with individual melting pans and a grill top. Traditionally bread or small potatoes are served alongside melted cheeses, salamis and other charcuterie, vegetables, pickled vegetables,and toppings. One can assemble all sorts of creations to melt the cheese atop. Its communal , interactive, and very filling. Traditionally a good white wine is served with.There was an old superstition not to drink water with your raclette as the cheese balls formed in your stomach could expand and cause death. We served the following:

salami
pepperoni
smoked ham
pepperocini
pickled onions
sun dried tomatoes
tuna
corn
pineapple
green peppers
red peppers
onions
black olives
green olives
marinated arrtichokes
sliced leeks
broccoli
tomatoes
Gouda Cheese
Feta Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Smoked Gouda Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Pepper Jack Cheese
small potatoes
baguette
There was plenty leftover and all the veg and meat sliced up stretches well for a crowd. Maybe something to consider for your next Superbowl party or get together on a budget?

The next day Certain Someone actually cooked up this big baked gratin for us with the leftovers. He layered all the vegetables. meat , and cheeses with pasta. I have to say it was quite good and fattening. Just the right dish to kick of the New Year.