How do you use a raclette grill?

I have a raclette that is half grill plate and half stone plate, I wanted to use it for the first time at a party I鈥檓 having and I can鈥檛 find the instructions or how to operate manual anywhere. Does anyone know what I need to do, I vaguely remember something about heating up the stone first but as to what temperature or any pre / after care of the stone I am stuck. Any help or knowledge or links to manuals would be greatly appreciatedHow do you use a raclette grill?
Mine has 6 small pan like inserts and a warming area under it, I use boiled potatos, fried croutons, pickled onions, small sour euro gherkins/sour dills cut in chunks, cooked chicken or tofu.



I like to use a combo of cheeses as raclette cheese is mildly strong and combo of raclette, emmenthaler, gryuere and a bit or white cheddar or provelone, grate it and mix it, then as you add it to the slots it melts and with fondue forks or regular ones you dip and spin, that is important to twist it to pick up the cheese and eat it, adding more cheese for the next item to be dipped.



In Switzerland they use the whole blocks of raclette and have device like a blow torch and iron that melts the cheese and they scrape it on to the plate and you dip your items into it, I use mine for that and even Japanese items at times.How do you use a raclette grill?
Here ya go Rach,



Serving Raclette

Keeping everything simple is the secret of a great Raclette meal. If you haven't experienced raclette before you may certainly be curious about all the fuss. You will re-discover how simple foods are often the best and that some foods that you thought were fairly ordinary will be seen in a different light. There is great joy in the way you eat and and the means how you cook. You can also use your raclette grill to reheat cold meat and to reheat meals such as leftovers.



Setting the table: Set the table up with all the ingredients all pre-cut and sliced. Place the grill in the middle and turn it on to preheat while everyone takes their seat. If you don't have much room on your dinning table, keep half the ingredients in the kitchen or on a near by table and top up the ingredients when they run low.



At the grill: Take a slice of cheese and place onto a pan and place under the grill to melt. In the meantime take a hot potato from the top of the grill and cut it into small pieces with your knife. Take the pan with the melted cheese and give it a shake to loosen the cheese and pour over your potato. Grind some pepper over it and let stand for a short moment (because it can be very hot) while you prepare the next pan with some more cheese and another combination of toppings and place it back under grill to allow to melt while you are eating. In the meantime enjoy the company you have, sip your favourite drink or nibble on the array of food on the table.



Scraping cheese out of pan: The pans are usually non-stick and your melted creation will normal slide out after a little shake but if the cheese you are using gets stuck scrape it out with wooden raclette spatulas that are included with good raclette grills. Or you can use a piece of bread.



Beverage serving suggestions:

Traditionally raclette is served with a dry white wine known as Fendant (Swiss wine) or black tea which are both known to help aid in the digestion of cheese.



If by chance U find that this info is not helpful U may try searching http://www.ask.com. Just type in the company that produced your type of grill in the search bar. GL :)