Posted on 09/29/2018 5:48:07 PM PDT by Jamestown1630
I recently discovered Raclette – which term can refer to a type of cheese, a kind of dinner party, or a unique table-top grill. As a dish, Raclette is similar to Fondue, and evolved from the practice of Swiss cowherds taking cheese with them as they tended their herds in the mountains, and melting the cheese over campfires to eat on bread. Traditional accompaniments are potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, and various cured meats.
It looks like a fun way to entertain in that it’s a dish or dinner where everyone is involved in choosing and cooking their own portion; but it’s less messy than fondue, and offers more variety in terms of ingredients and ways to cook them. You can grill or warm over various meats and vegetables on the top of the grill, while melting portions of cheese in the little pans underneath. And if you don't want to make a meal of it, I'm thinking it could be a nice break-the-ice hors d'oeuvre with drinks, to get a dinner or cocktail party started.
It also seems uniquely suited to low-carb eating, adding interest and variety.
Raclette cheese can be be purchased online; but it can be difficult to source locally in many areas of the US. I believe it will become more available, but in the meantime you can substitute Gruyere, Emmental, Fontina or Appenzeller.
Here, from the website Viva, is a typical recipe for two:
http://www.viva.co.nz/article/food-drink/raclette-and-vegetable-grill-recipe/
and here’s an ad/demonstration for one of the popular brands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wfqts9weaY
Raclette machines come in various shapes and sizes; I think I’m in the market for one, and if anyone has one they like, let me know!
Here are reviews of some of the other brands; the Boska Holland ‘mini’ looks great if you just want to try it out, or want one just for your small family:
*****************************************************
I also discovered ‘Texas Tornado Cake’, from Phyllis Stokes of ‘Southern Frugal’; it’s a cake with fruit cocktail, brown sugar, nuts and coconut; a little more complicated than the average ‘dump’ cake, but looks really wonderful. There are lots of variations on this cake, including one using canned pineapple instead of the fruit cocktail. Phyllis includes links to the recipes she used/adapted:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8jyrEl31vs
*************************************************
I’ve been an avid birdwatcher all my life, and while searching for something bird-related I happened to find the YouTube channel of Maurice Baker, a gentleman in Shropshire, England who photographs the feathered life in his garden. He has many informative and beautiful videos about birds, but also many of Nature and wildlife in general, with outstanding photography accompanied by restful, ambient music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN73qE3TWmg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_fzRygNIUY
About Maurice:
https://www.youtube.com/user/MauriceBaker100/about
-JT
(Disclaimer: I am not associated/compensated in any way with regard to the promotion of the various appliances and other items - or the websites - that I write about on this thread. They are simply things that I’ve personally found interesting and want to share.)
Your card sounds so cute———I think Martha made vintage Halloween items collectible.
We did that in the ‘sixties, at Hallowe’en parties. It’s hard to do!
That’s great!
Dip the nutter-butters into white chocolate. Let set.
Then "wrap" them with white icing using a thin decorating tip.
Add licorice slices for eyes-----or buy candy eyes in the cake decorating section.
Do they still make it? I haven’t seen it in years!
They were quick and tasty. Hope losing one slice of bread from the traditional recipe saves some calories and carbs!
Chocolate Cannoli-Filled Cake Roll
Ingredients
CAKE 1-3/4 cups chocolate cake mix 1/3 cup water 2 tablespoons canola oil 3 eggs
FILLING: 2 cups ricotta cheese 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cup conf
teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup mini semisweet ch/chips
CAKE METHOD: 1-3/4 cups chocolate cake mix 1/3 cup water 2 tablespoons canola oil 3 large eggs
Line a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan with waxed paper and grease the paper; set aside.In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil and eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 350 deg 12-14 min---cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool 5 min. Invert onto a kitchen towel dusted with confectioners' sugar. Gently peel off waxed paper. Roll in towel jelly-roll style, starting with a short side. Cool completely on wire rack.
FILLING METHOD beat cream cheese fluffy. Add the ricotta, conf, vanilla and cinnamon. beat smooth. Stir in chips; chill an hour.
FINAL Unroll cake; spread filling over to within 1/2" of edges. Re-roll. Place seam side down on server. Chill 2 hours before serving.
The chocolate cake with cannoli-like filling is a taste sensation.......your guests will swoon.
Me too...only problem...I'd have to take two slices and give away the rest ASAP...Far too tempting.☺
Yes, Cov. Me, too.
Chris Kimbell seemed to be far past the age of retirement!
The two women did all the work and he spoke and ate their accomplishments. A shame the publisher chose to line the pockets rather than share on a fair basis. A number of the dishes prepared looked mighty good.
It is hard to do! Especially for those who might detest to having their faces under water ... states one who dislikes swimming or taking showers and prefers long, hot baths.
Once you taste it....there’s not a chance you’ll give away even a crumb of this cake.
Love ya, Liz!
Blue Mesa Grill makes a “snackable” Sweet Potato Chip;
https://bluemesagrill.com/2016/04/06/sweet-potato-chips/
and when younger, we would thickly slice sweet potatoes and fry them in the frying pan (in oil) until a nice golden color. Delicious! These days it’s baked sweet potatoes, butter and nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar. Still a treat!
.......mmmmmmm.....yummy......
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.