I'm heading back to Oz in a few weeks and my little portable Migros Raclette maker (the weeny one with candles!) has gone ahead in my boxes. I'm looking forwardto playing with it when I get back.

My question is: what sort of cheese do I buy from the supermarket that will do the Raclette job properly? I have a feeling I saw something actually called 'Raclette cheese' in Coles but I may be imagining it.

Mr Grumpy Grapefruit may have some suggestions too.

Thanks!

Sorry Pamela, as far as I know, the cheese for raclette is simply "raclette cheese"... although having used said cheese myself for other purposes (mainly grilled cheese sandwiches, but also melted into chili), probably some others would suit alright, even if they're not quite the same.

Hopefully some others who have been here, then away, and back again perhaps will have some suggestions what to use in place if you can't find "raclette cheese."

You can make Raclette with any cheese that will melt well, this includes most alp cheeses as well as Emmentaller I guess.

I know a Swiss chef who does special raclette tasting days and uses firm sheep and goats milk cheese in the selection as well as cheeses mixed with herbs and chilli. He has even used some of my cheddar and Red Leicester and got very good feedback from his (Swiss) clients.

Raclette cheese in Oz...

Good to know that even a Swiss Chef is open to try other things... makes me feel better for wanting to get my hands on some "Pepper Jack" (Monterrey Jack with jalapeno pieces) cheese to use for it.

Excellent, thanks for all that! I will be having withdrawal symptoms when I get home so nice to know I can stuff myself with melty cheese and potatoes! Thank God we do decent wine....

That sounds a bit yummy Peg, I'm going home via the States so maybe I should try a bit!

Brilliant, it's at the Re Store, I know exactly where that is!! Thanks heaps.

as for your candle raclette thing...I have one too, just make sure you start the process way before you are hungry, as it takes about 15min for the cheese to even become a little runny (and it will not get nearly as runny as with the electric versions it is however very romantic )

I know, I used it a few times before it got packed up and it did take ages. Don't even need to worry about the romance thing, it'll be just me and the cat!

Just so you know the thing is actually quite stinky!

Just saying so you properly cover it during storage.

Ps: not as stinky as "Vacherin". oooh that one is a smelly bomb!!!