Raclette: The Swiss Melt

1.Begin by washing the new potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

2.Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and keep them warm.

3.While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the raclette cheese by slicing it into thin pieces that will easily melt. Set aside.

4.Arrange the charcuterie, cornichons, and pickled onions on a serving platter.

5.If using vegetables, wash and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them on the platter as well.

6.Set up your raclette grill or a tabletop grill. Preheat it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

7.Once the grill is hot, place a few slices of raclette cheese onto the individual raclette pans or directly on the grill surface. Allow the cheese to melt until bubbly and slightly browned.

8.While the cheese is melting, serve the warm potatoes, charcuterie, cornichons, pickled onions, and optional vegetables onto individual plates.

9.When the cheese is melted, scrape it over the potatoes and other accompaniments on each plate.

10.Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately, encouraging guests to continue melting cheese and serving themselves as desired.