Grill to perfection

Fight the urge to reach for your fondue pot at your next gathering and instead serve the sociable Alpine dish called raclette, the name for which derives from the French word racler, to scrape. Raclette refers to both the cheese, a semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Switzerland, and the dish, consisting of the melted cheese scraped over boiled potatoes, and served with gherkins, pickled onions, black pepper, meats, and other condiments. Karls Sausage Kitchen & European Market sells, as well as rents, raclette grills. With the smaller tray-style electric grill ($49.99), diners cook their garnishes on a tray set over a grill, while the cheese melts over the cooked potatoes underneath. For a big party, rent a larger raclette grill ($29.99 for 24 hours). This grill (retail $399) holds a quarter-round of cheese and heats it for scraping. Great for apres-ski and other chilling outdoor activities. Karls Sausage Kitchen & European Market, 142 Broadway, Saugus, 781-233-3099, www.karlssausage.com.