DP French: Temps de raclette, temps de bonheur.
There are days at school, especially in winter, when everyone feels a bit slower and a bit colder. That’s when food like raclette makes perfect sense. It’s not fancy food, but it brings people together, and that’s part of what makes it special.
Ingredients
- Raclette cheese
- Potatoes
- Charcuterie (ham, salami, cured meats)
- Salt
- Pickles or onions (optional)
Preparation
Raclette is all about simplicity and sharing. First, boil the potatoes in salted water until they are soft. While they are cooking, prepare the charcuterie and set it on the table. Place slices of raclette cheese in the raclette machine and let them melt slowly. 
Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, pour it over the hot potatoes and add charcuterie on the side. Everyone serves themselves, eats, talks, and waits for the next round of cheese to melt. There is no rush with raclette. That’s part of the experience. 
A bit of history
Raclette comes from the Alpine regions of France and Switzerland. Shepherds used to heat cheese by the fire and scrape the melted part onto bread or potatoes. The word raclette comes from the French verb racler, which means “to scrape.” What started as a practical meal in the mountains became a tradition, especially during cold winter months.
Raclette reminds us that food is not only about eating. It’s about sitting together, taking your time, and enjoying simple moments, something we can all appreciate, at school and beyond. 
