Friday, July 04, 2008

I Love My Raclette

Hamilton Beach RacletteLast fall I wrote about my desire for a raclette and Andrew did not disappoint. Sure enough on Christmas morning I unwrapped my very own Hamilton Beach raclette (he follows those hints so well doesn't he? Clicks on the links like a pro!)

We've had so much fun with it since then I've got to mention it again with a follow-up because raclette has become the number one most requested meal around here.

Since I got it for Christmas we decided to have a New Year's Eve party where we could try it out with six friends but I have to say Andrew was skeptical--he was basically humoring me.

But we had a terrific time, it was a huge hit and got top grades from everyone. We had enough left over for more the next night with the kids and they all voted it the Greatest Meal Ever. EVER. And remember folks, that's beating out some pret-ty tough competition when it comes to fast food and burgers and pizza.

So now if anyone has a birthday and I ask them what they want? It's raclette every time and I really like it because what could be easier than slicing cheese and bread? Even I can handle that.

***

Here's a few extra links for your pleasure this happy Independence Day (are you feeling particularly independent? Hope so!)

* Here's a video for making an eco-friendly birdhouse from chopsticks. So when you have Asian birds visiting in the neighborhood they can feel right at home.

* Here's a pattern for the cutest-ever Peep-Toe-Tie-On-Slippers. Love 'em.

* Do you want to be a more productive blogger with those 24 hours you have? Problogger's post on Batch Processing is excellent, I use the same techniques myself I just didn't know they had a snappy name.

* Angry Chicken shows how to use Starbursts to decorate cakes--genius is the only word to cover it.

* Happy 4th of July with these patriotic drinks from Chocolate on My Cranium--if you were too late to make them today there's always Bastille Day in ten days . . .

Sponsored by: Alaskan TourSaver--great deals for travel in the Last Frontier

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21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great links! And the raclette looks like fun. As if my kitchen didn't already have enough gadgets... half my family can't/doesn't even eat cheese and I still want it!

Linds said...

I posted about raclette entertaining too a little while ago. Just the best!

I love the new house colour, by the way. Superb and very classy!
Happy 4th July!

calicobebop said...

Your husband must be one in a million to remember what you wanted for Christmas!

Kristen M. said...

I've never heard of a raclette. But now I can totally understand the necessity for one.

Mia said...

Your note on batch processing caught my eye because I am familiar with the concept in the strictly IT sense so I read the problogger post. I actually intuitively apply this to concept to my mothering and my blogging. I am very reliant on my routines and I know I am more successful if I have boundaries with tv time, internet time etc. My blog is personal so I don't have as many tasks as he does but I do all my feed reading, then my writing, then I get to my email. Loved the article.

Daisy said...

Loved the Batch Processing post! I liked his advice on managing email. I've taken control over my school email, and it's helped me be much more efficient when I get to my desk.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the many tips. Happy 4th July - do you do the fireworks up there!

Kathy in WA said...

I've never heard of the raclette. Interesting! I love my George Foreman grill with the interchangeable plates. Is the raclette something similar? Where do you store it? On the counter or away in the pantry?

Duckabush Blog Dh and I are currently working on 'tomato-staking' parenting. Stop by when you have time. :)

Tammy and Parker said...

Great links! Thanks!

Tammy and Parker

Jen Rouse said...

I had never heard of raclette, but it does look yummy!

SabineM said...

I remember your post on this and I am sure I posted a comment. I LOVE RACLETTE! I AM SWISS, it would be against my religion not to like it! ;-)
It is the best dinner party item. You sit at the table for a long time which is fabulous! Serve with little boiled potatoes, pickled stuff, and a variety of cut veges (such as onions, garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms) and bacon to cook with the cheese. Paprika on top of the cheese is also to die for!! Of course, the BEST way to enjoy this is the traditional way in a swiss restaurant with a half of wheel of raclette cheese melted on the fire and then scrapped onto your plate....slow slow slow process, esp. if you have alot of dinners, but it is amazing!
I Recommend a raclette machine to everyone...best dinner party!!

Lisa Ancarrow said...

Thanks for the link to my little slippers!!! Love your blog - added you as a favorite!
Happy 4th!

LaSandra said...

The raclette sounds great! Sounds perfect for hosting too.

Thanks for the link to Chocolate on My Cranium's Bomb Pop recipe! I used to LOVE those!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the very "sweetlinks"!

I am just so impressed that hubby knew exactly what to get you; so does mine. Gift Card.

TJ said...

do you use actual raclette cheese? if you don't, what do you use?? because that stuff is so expensive!!! on my mission it was a treat when we were able to eat that.

Scribbit said...

No I use any cheeses that strike my fancy :) Fresh mozzarella is especially good.

Musings of a Housewife said...

Loving that Problogger link!!

Montserrat said...

For some reason it never registered with me that the Darren Rowse at Problogger is the same Darren Rowse I read at DPS. DUH! I'm such a ding-dong sometimes.

Thanks for sharing the "Bomb Pop" drink link.

Pieces said...

You've convinced me about the raclette. The Loved has been talking about doing fondue but this sounds so much better!

Unknown said...

What? Someone else who knows about raclette machines? One of my favorite memories of my mission in Switzerland was making racellete! I even brought a machine home. Only problem is it needed a converter so I never used it!

United Studies said...

Hey that raclette looks interesting! Never heard of it, so I am wondering why you have to have cheese with it?