8 brilliant tips: This is how your raclette will be particularly good this winter

With the start of the holiday season comes the time ofRaclettes! The popular dish is simply perfect for cozy evenings with family and friends. Everyone can put together their own pan according to their mood - with, potatoes, vegetables, meat and much more. The melted cheese gives everything that special something, and it's uncomplicated: everyone eats what they like, and the best part? You can refill it endlessly.

Raclette brings variety to the table and turns food into something worthwhileshared experience, where everyone gets their money's worth. The fact that the dish also has a long tradition that goes back to the Middle Ages makes it all the more likeable. Raclette comes from the original life of Swiss shepherds, who often made cheese,and potatoes to enjoy together around the campfire after the work was done. Of course, the cheese was melted and served with the filling side dishes.

With this in mind, enjoying the holiday food is definitely even more fun. If you also do the followingeight tipstake this into account, your raclette will be the...Highlightof the holidays – and impresses guests both young and old.

When it comes to raclette, you should neverbe saved. On the one hand, this applies to the quantity, but also to the quality of the cheese. To celebrate, invest and buyhigh-quality, traditional cheese from Switzerland or France. It melts perfectly and has a creamy, spicy texture. Different types of cheese also provide varietyGouda, Cheddar, Appenzeller or Brie, which the little guests also enjoy. Feel free to experiment with melting, aromatic varieties to create different taste experiences.

The side dishes are almost as important as the cheese. In addition to classics likeorYou can make the table colorful with different vegetables likePeppers, zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms, cauliflower or broccolicover, here the raw and cooked variant works excellently and also provides plenty of variety in texture and taste.

Alsois a welcome guest at raclette.Pears, apples or grapescomplement the spicy cheese perfectly. AlsoFigsandPineappleare a sweet and sour addition. Meat eaters, on the other hand, are happy about high-quality,aromatic sausage, salami, bacon or even smoked salmon. Last but not least, ensure aromapickled onions, capers, olives or cornichons.

Herb butter, honey mustard sauce or cocktail dressing are classics, but they are boring in the long run. Therefore, prepare a few special dips, for example an aromatic one-Butter with truffle or chili flavore, afruity, fresh cranberry compote or chutneys. They add an extra layer of flavor to the side dishes and cheese.

Not all potatoes are the same. The perfect potato should be cooked in advance and cut into small pieces. They are also delicious when lightly roasted in the pan. Also provide varietySweet potatoes, parsnips or, which can be served as an alternative to traditional potatoes.

In addition to pepper and paprika, herbs like:Rosemary, thyme, and oreganovery good with raclette. Try something smoked tooPaprika powderor a few flakesChilifor a slight spiciness. Also great:Truffle powder, ginger or exotic spices such as tagine. And for those who like it crispy, we recommend aromatic fried onions!

The pan technique can also make a world of difference when it comes to raclette. Always start with something, which you cover with the other ingredients. This way it melts nicely and mixes with the side dishes.

For a crispy cheese crust, the pan can be brushed with a little oil or the cheese can be placed on top. Gourmets go herechili or truffle oil,a conventional oneolive oilbut it also serves this purpose.

Go well with raclettedry white wineslike Riesling, Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc. Alsostrongercan fit as long as it's not too heavy. Another tip isblack tea, which is traditionally often drunk with raclette in Switzerland because it supports digestion.

The last point does not concern the feast itself, but is at least as important. After all, raclette thrives on taking your time, sitting together and eating comfortably. Abeautifully set table and relaxed musiccreate a comfortable atmosphere. Also askCandleson, do oneFairy lightsand enjoy the evening (also as host) to the fullest.