Our Cheezy encounter with European Cheese Raclette
For many Malaysian, our encounter with eating melting cheese is usually from a hot oven baked pizza which is loaded with cheese or a toastie. Now, you can experience the satisfaction of tasting these molten cheese using a popular style called Raclette. When it comes to melting cheeses - not all cheeses are created equal - some melt better than others, allowing it to unlock the unique textures, flavours and its special taste.
We had the opportunity of learning the different varieties of European Cheeses that is available in Malaysian that is best matched for a Raclette by Chef Pierre Gay; a cheese master, cheese connoisseur and expert from France.
His vast experience and knowledge of European cheese were shared with us through a Raclette party at Cocott KL; for us to appreciate and taste the best way to enjoy the European cheese collection.
This party is jointly organized by the French Interbranch Dairy Organization and European Union, to promote the pre-eminence and finesse of European Cheese.
According to Chef Pierre "Raclette is a fairly new concept in Malaysia and for a country that loves to eat cheese so much, this is an experience that Malaysian do not want to miss. Raclette is a cheese made from cow milk that has been broiled or melted under direct heat until oozy, a bit crispy and usually scraped over potatoes, crunchy vegetables or cured meats." He went on to explain that watching the cheese melt and being scraped over the food is part of the sensory experience of a Raclette.
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| Chef Pierre Gay Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) |
Chef Pierre Gay is the owner of Gay Fromagerie - one of the oldest cheese houses in Annecy, in the Rhone-alps in Eastern France. Since 1935, the fromagerie is known in the region for its fines cheeses and in 1989, Pierre took over the company from his father. Thru sheer dedication and efforts, Pierre was crowned Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) year 2011, a recognition of being the top in his trade.
He stated; the secret to choosing the right cheeses for a Raclette is the moisture content. The more moisture the cheese has, the better it melts. Generally, European cheeses are more suited for Raclettes and some of the favourites are the signature Raclette Cheese, Emmental and Comte. Once melted they will have a nuttier and sweeter flavour.
The Chef used a Raclette cheese which he melted in a large Raclette machine, then scraped over the cured meats and condiments. The Raclette cheese is an excellent melting cheese and the main cheese used in raclettes and fondues. Pungent yet savoury, the Raclette pH level gives it the perfect melting point resulting in a molten liquid that is stringy and holds its shape at the same time, he added.
We had the chance to melt and enjoy Brie,
Reblochon,
Fourme D'Ambert,
Comte,
Saint Nectarie,
Gouda,
Camembert
and Scamorza over the tabletop Raclette machines, with various cooked and raw vegetable, meat, condiments and bread.
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| European Cheese |
Considered to be one of the most versatile foods in the world, cheese can be eaten as it is; paired with a classy wine or even incorporated into any dishes - from cold to hot, sweet to spicy, from appetisers to desserts. Most cheese recipes only need a few additional items added to the star ingredient to make them fantastic. With stringent quality control and regulations in Europe. European cheeses are always of the highest quality, and the best cheese products are readily and easily available to Malaysian consumers.
A Raclette is a fairly new concept in Malaysia and it is a great way to enjoy European Cheeses. You can have a raclette at home with families and friends; with your favourite condiments while enjoying this traditional and fun way cheese is eaten in Europe.
