Cuisinart CR-8 Operational manual

Raclette
INSTRUCTION &
RECIPE BOOKLET
For your safety and continued enjoyment of this product, always read the instruction book carefully before using.
CR-8

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always
be followed, including the following:
1. Read all instructions.
2. Keep appliance and electrical cord out of the reach of children.
3. Always switch appliance off before unplugging.
4. Unplug cord from outlet when not in use and before cleaning.
5. Allow appliance to cool before adding or removing parts.
6. Keep the electrical cord away from other sources of heat.
7. Do not immerse appliance or cord in water or other liquids.
8. Do not touch hot surfaces – use handles or knob.
9. Never carry the appliance while still hot – use extreme caution when
moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
10. Never place cloth or other flammable objects near appliance
while still hot.
11. When placing raclette dishes on the appliance, handles should be
positioned away from the heat sources; otherwise melting could occur.
12. Use only heat-resistant spatulas designed for nonstick cookware to
remove food from raclette dishes or on grill and griddle.
13. Place hot raclette dishes on heat resistant mat/surface.
14. Use only original accessory parts.
15. Do not use appliance for anything other than its intended use.
16. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug. If the
appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner, return
appliance to the nearest authorized service facility for examination,
repair or adjustment.
17. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance
manufacturer may cause injuries.
18. Do not use outdoors.
19. Do not let cord hang over edge of the table or counter or touch
hot surfaces.
20. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated oven.
21. To connect, plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn control to off
then remove plug from the wall outlet.
22. CAUTION: To ensure continued protection against risk of electric shock,
connect to properly grounded outlets only.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, COOK
ONLY ON THE REMOVABLE GRILL PLATE AND ENSURE THAT IT IS
PROPERLY INSTALLED.
SPECIAL CORD SET INSTRUCTIONS
Ashort power supply cord is provided to reduce the risk resulting from
entanglement or tripping over a longer cord.
An extension cord may be used if care is exercised in their use.
If a long extension cord is used, the marked electrical rating of the extension
cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance, and
the longer cord should be arranged so that it will not drape over the counter-
top or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or animals, or tripped
over.
NOTICE
This appliance has a polarized plug (one prong is wider than the
other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug will fit into a
polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the out-
let, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified
electrician. Do not modify the plug in any way.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safeguards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Special Cord Set Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Parts and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
User Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Cleaning and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Tips and Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
INTRODUCTION
Raclette grilling has been a popular European entertaining experience for
generations. Now you can enjoy it right at home. The Cuisinart®Raclette lets
you entertain friends and family over leisurely, easy, interactive meals, cooked
right at the table! Europeans have been gathering around the raclette for
generations. Now it's your turn.
Our reversible cooking plate is both grill and griddle, which means you can
cook almost anything – fish, poultry, meats, vegetables, crêpes, fajitas and
quesadillas. You're limited only by your imagination. Melt savory cheeses and
keep accompaniments hot in eight raclette dishes. They slide right under the
cooking plate, and each has its own tabletop holder. Try prosciutto with
asparagus and cheese, or sliced, grilled polenta. A temperature control dial
and indicator light take the guesswork out of cooking.
Check out the recipes in the back of the book and start a whole new trend
in entertaining!
PARTS AND FEATURES
1. Base – Elegant brushed stainless steel housing including grill
side supports
2. Reversible cooking plate – Large nonstick cooking surface. One side is a
grill surface; the other side is a griddle surface.
3. Temperature control dial and indicator light
4. Grill tray for raclette dishes
5. Eight individual raclette dishes
6. Eight individual heat-resistant spatulas
7. Eight individual dish holders for tabletop
8. Heating element with supporting bracket
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Before the first use:
Remove all packaging materials and any promotional labels or stickers from
the unit. Be sure all parts (listed above, Parts and Features) of your new
appliance have been included before discarding any packaging material.
You may want to keep the box and packing material for use at a later date.
Before using your Cuisinart®Raclette for the first time, remove any dust from
shipping by wiping the base with a damp cloth. Thoroughly clean both sides
of the cooking plate, spatulas, raclette dishes and raclette dish holders.
The cooking plate, spatulas, raclette dishes and raclette dish holders are
dishwasher-safe.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place base on a clean, flat surface where you intend to cook. Make sure
that the grill is secure and aligned with side supports.
2. The cooking plate has two sides: The grill side with ribbed surface is
intended for grilling small slices of steak, chicken, seafood and vegetables.
The griddle side with smooth surface is perfect for making eggs, pancakes,
and crêpes. Choose the side you intend to cook on and place the cooking
plate on the base with the chosen side facing up.
3. Plug the cord into a standard electrical outlet.
4. Raclette trays can be placed onto tray surface under the heating element
when cooking on the raclette grill.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Once the raclette is assembled properly and you are ready to begin cooking,
choose whether you want to use the grill or flat surface. Place the appliance
in the center of the table. The grill plate is meant for cooking small pieces of
meat or your accompaniments to melted cheese (mushrooms, onions, small
sausages, etc.) The griddle surface is meant for cooking French toast,
pancakes, toasted cheese, sandwiches and more.The individual dishes
are meant for melting cheese.
The indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the power is on. First preheat
the grill at maximum temperature setting for 8–10 minutes. Before you are
ready to cook, turn the temperature knob to the desired temperature level.
During operation, the light will continue to turn on and off as the thermostat
regulates the temperature. This is normal.
The temperature control is used to set and maintain the temperature of the
cooking surface. Temperature range can accommodate recipes including
crêpes, shrimp, meat and vegetables. You may vary the setting of the control
knob at any time during cooking, and may wish to do so depending on the
types of foods on the cooking plate.
Note: The first time you use your raclette, it may have a slight odor and
smoke a bit. This is normal and common to appliances with a
nonstick surface.
To flip over to use reverse side of plate:
1. Turn temperature control knob to OFF setting.
2. Unplug appliance from wall outlet.
3. Allow to cool down completely.
4. Thoroughly clean cooking plate. (See Cleaning and Care, next page)
5. Remove plate from base, flip plate over, and return it to base.
6. Ensure that grill is secure and aligned with side supports.
7. Plug the cord into a standard electrical outlet and follow
operating instructions.
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USER MAINTENANCE
You may want to place an easy-to-clean tablecloth under the appliance to
protect the surface of your table while cooking.
In order to prevent damage to the nonstick coating, use a spatula to lift the
grilled food off the grill plate. Never use metal utensils, as they will scratch the
nonstick grill plate. Instead, use only wooden or heatproof plastic utensils.
Never leave plastic utensils in contact with the hot grill plate.
We recommend that you use the plastic spatulas supplied with the appliance
to take cheese out of the raclette dishes. To avoid damage to the coated
surface, never use knives or other metallic objects to cut food in the individual
pans or on the grill plates.
Do not leave the pans on the hot grill plate after use. Leftover food in the
pan will be burnt on, making cleaning more difficult. Use the supports
provided instead.
CLEANING AND CARE
CAUTION: BEFORE CLEANING APPLIANCE, MAKE SURE IT HAS
COOLED DOWN COMPLETELY.
Once you have finished cooking, turn the temperature control knob to the
OFF setting. Allow the unit to cool down completely and unplug the appliance
from wall outlet.
If you have been cooking seafood, wipe the cooking plate with lemon juice to
prevent seafood flavor from transferring to the next recipe.
The grill plate, individual cheese dishes, raclette holders and plastic spatulas
can be placed in the dishwasher, or washed by hand, using a soft sponge or
cloth and hot water.
Unplug the unit and allow the raclette to cool before cleaning. The base
can be wiped clean with a soft, dry cloth. Never use steel scouring pads,
abrasives or solvents.
Attention: Never immerse the appliance in water. Do not allow water to get
into the appliance.
STORAGE
Always dry and place grill on base before storing. Ensure that the base and
cooking plate are correctly positioned. Raclette accessories are designed to
stack neatly for convenient storage.
Store in a cool dry place.
TIPS AND HINTS
Many of the recipes that are listed are geared for four people, using two
dishes per person. However, all recipes are very easy to double, using one
dish per person.
Also, the recipes included are intended to inspire ideas for new recipes.
One of the great features of the Cuisinart®Raclette is that the possibilities
for recipe ideas and food combinations are endless. Many ingredients,
seasonings, and styles of cuisine can be substituted in each recipe.
It is important not to overload raclette dishes before using the grill.
You must be careful not to have any ingredients touch the grill directly, or be
too close to the heat source above, to prevent them from browning too quickly
or burning.
For all recipes it is best to have all your ingredients and side dishes ready
before you begin cooking.
Both thinly sliced and grated cheeses work best with the raclette because
they are easiest to melt.
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GRILLING
It is important to keep all raw meats well chilled right up until they are cooked.
Chicken Breast: If cooking a full breast, you will get best results when
chicken is pounded to an even thickness and the raclette is turned to the
highest setting.
Chicken cooks most evenly and rapidly when sliced into 1⁄2-inch (1.25 cm)
slices.
Ground beef: Best results occur when you form small, one-ounce (30 g)
cocktail-size burgers and cook on the highest setting. Five minutes on the first
side and five on the second produce a burger with nice browning, cooked
through with a hint of pink. This smaller size enables you to top with cheese
to melt under the grill.
Any other cuts of meat should be thinly sliced or pre-cooked before
raclette cooking.
Do not use the Cuisinart®Raclette to cook bone-in meats or poultry.
Sausages grill very well on the raclette. Uncooked varieties cook best if
browned on the outside, then split and browned again on both sides, or
poached and then grilled. Cooked sausages are best split and grilled on
both sides or sliced into rounds and grilled on both sides.
Bacon: Use the griddle side for bacon. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to
prepare bacon as the last step of your meal as the unit needs to COOL
COMPLETELY before you can remove any grease that has formed.
Seafood: Oilier types of fish such as salmon, tuna, or mackerel, cook well on
the raclette grill. You will get best results when you cook fish fillets of even
thickness. Shrimp and scallops also work very well on the grill or griddle tops.
Vegetables: Most raw vegetables can cook directly on the grill/griddle.
Firmer varieties such as potatoes, winter squash, or carrots should be
partially cooked before cooking on the raclette.
Using skewers: Skewers may be used to hold meats, seafood, or vegetables
as they cook. Wooden skewers are recommended as the metal can scratch
and permanently damage the nonstick surface. For best results, soak
wooden skewers in water before using and provide a heatproof, plastic
tong for turning and lifting.
Fruit and Cheese Combinations
Aclassic version of dessert or perhaps a twist to an afternoon snack is
enjoying your favorite fruit paired with a complementary cheese. The raclette
makes it easy and fun. Simply heat fruit on the grill or griddle, place in the
individual dishes, top with cheese, melt under the grill, and serve. Or enjoy
fresh fruit (such as berries) and cheese directly in the raclette dish and then
placed under the grill to melt.
The possibilities are endless but here are some of our favorites:
Apples (particularly Granny Smith) and Cheddar, Manchego, or Gruyère
Assorted berries and Montrachet or Brie
Pineapple and brie
Strawberries (or any type of berry) and Explorateur or any other triple crème
cheese
Pears and Cambozola, Saga, Roquefort, Bleu D’Auvergne, Gouda, or
Taleggio
Apricots and/or blueberries and Camembert
Melon and smoked mozzarella
Another idea would be to grill your favorite fruit and serve it alongside
crème fraîche.
BREAKFAST GRIDDLE IDEAS
Here are just a few breakfast items that work well using the
Cuisinart®Raclette.
Pancakes
Hash browns
Scrambled eggs
Sausage patties
Bacon
English muffins
Crumpets
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Egg and cheese sandwich
Have the raclette preheated on medium-high, griddle side up.
Cook eggs directly on the griddle, or place the raclette dish directly on the
cooktop and crack the egg into the dish. Cook on top of the griddle for
4 minutes and then finish underneath the grill.
Butter and toast English muffin or slices of bread, and warm and brown
on griddle.
Place egg in raclette dish (if not already there) and place slice of cheese on
top and place dish under the grill.
Once cheese has melted, slide egg and cheese with individual spatula on to
bread, make your sandwich and go!
Individual omelettes
Have the raclette preheated on medium-high, griddle side up.
Scramble eggs with a touch of milk or cream. Place the raclette dish on the
griddle. Pour eggs into the dish to come up halfway. Place dish on the cook
top. Allow the bottom to set, about 3–4 minutes. Place dish under the grill and
leave for an additional 2 minutes until the edges start to set and puff, add
sliced or grated cheese and leave until melted and fully puffed – about
another 2 minutes. Slide out with spatula onto toasted bread or plate.
You can cook vegetables on the griddle first to add to your omelette, or use
up any leftover grilled veggies and/or meats.
The griddle is also perfect for making open-face melted cheese sandwiches,
potato pancakes, blinis, or mini crab cakes.
The Cuisinart®Raclette is great for relaxed, easy, tabletop cooking with
friends – a perfect companion to the Cuisinart®Electric Fondue Pot.
RECIPES
Raclette Recipes
Traditional – (Raclette cheese, grilled potatoes, grilled vegetables, dried
and cured meats, cornichons and gherkins, pickled onions,
and tomatoes)
Savoury crêpes – vegetarian
Sweet crêpes with sweet mascarpone cream, berry filling, and
chocolate sauce
Caramelized apple crêpes with Saga blue cheese and toasted walnuts
Italian sausage and peppers
Chicken and eggplant parmesan
Fajita-style quesadillas: traditional chicken and beef; mango with Brie
Grilled vegetable Napoleons (layers of grilled eggplant, zucchini, squash,
and peppers with a variety of cheeses)
Scallops with mushrooms and leeks with Mornay sauce
Tapas Party:
Grilled asparagus with fontina and prosciutto
Grilled shrimp and asparagus with polenta
Grilled melon with smoked mozzarella and prosciutto
Grilled smoked chorizo
Grilled shrimp and scallop skewers
Crostini
Grilled eggplant and sweet pepper crostini
Tomato and basil topping for crostini
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TRADITIONAL RACLETTE
Serves 4
12 ounces (375 g) baby red potatoes
2tablespoons (25 ml) extra virgin olive oil
1⁄2teaspoon (2 ml) salt
1onion, sliced, approximately 8 ounces (250 g)
10 ounces (300 g) button mushrooms, cut in half
11⁄2pounds (650 g) raclette cheese
16 ounces (500 g) varied dried meats, such as prosciutto
and Parma ham
110-ounce (300 g) jar cornichons, small gherkins, and/or pickled
onions, drained
1loaf baguette-style bread
2tomatoes, sliced (optional)
Assemble raclette, grill side up. Turn to medium and preheat for
10 minutes.
Place potatoes in a 2-quart (1.9 L) saucepan and cover with water. Bring to
a boil and then reduce to a rolling simmer until potatoes can easily be
pierced with the tip of a knife, approximately 20 minutes. Remove potatoes
from water, slice in halves or thick slices and reserve in a mixing bowl.
Toss with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the olive oil and 1⁄4teaspoon (1 ml) of salt.
In a separate mixing bowl toss the onions and mushrooms with the
remaining tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil and 1⁄4teaspoon (1 ml) of salt.
Toss 2 cups (500 ml) of the potatoes, onions, and mushrooms on grill and
cook until vegetables are nicely browned, approximately 8–10 minutes.
Repeat until all vegetables are grilled. Cut cheese into wide slices. Arrange
on table with meats, cornichons, sliced baguette, and sliced tomatoes.
Each guest: place a slice of cheese in a raclette dish. Place under grill,
check after 5 minutes, and remove when cheese is melted and bubbling.
Using the raclette spatula, turn cheese out onto an individual plate of
mixed grilled vegetables and bread. The melted raclette cheese and
vegetables are eaten with the cornichons, gherkins, pickled onions,
sliced meats and breads, and tomatoes.
** This is a traditional version of Raclette. However, this recipe can be
altered in a variety of ways. You can grill the baguette slices. Brush both
sides of the bread with olive oil and grill 2 minutes per side. You could
also place the vegetables and/or bread slices directly into the raclette
dishes with the cheese on top before you place under grill. Also, you
may change or increase the variety of vegetables. We do recommend
using raclette cheese, as it is most traditional. Other cheeses, however,
may be substituted to taste.
BASIC CRÊPE BATTER
Makes 2 cups (500 ml) batter/ approximately 20 crêpes
1cup (250 ml) whole milk
1⁄4cup (50 ml) unsalted butter
3⁄4cup (75 ml) unbleached, all-purpose flour
1⁄2teaspoon (2 ml) salt
3large eggs
Warm milk in a small saucepan with the butter until it is melted; set aside.
In a small mixing bowl whisk together the flour, salt, and eggs until mixture
resembles a thick and sticky batter. Whisk in the milk and butter until the
batter is smooth. If time allows, leave the batter to rest in the refrigerator
for at least 1⁄2hour. Batter is best used within 3 days.
SAVORY CRÊPES
Any vegetable, cheese, and even grilled meat combinations
can be used for these delicious savory bundles
Makes 20 crêpes
1recipe Basic Crêpe Batter
12 ounces (375 g) button mushrooms, cut in half
8ounces (250 g) onion, sliced
2tablespoons (25 ml) extra virgin olive oil
1⁄4teaspoon (1 ml) kosher salt
1pound (500 g) Havarti cheese, sliced
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Assemble raclette, griddle side up. Turn to high and preheat for 10 minutes.
Pour 1⁄8cup (30 ml) of crêpe batter onto the griddle top and spread the batter
out thin and evenly with the raclette spatula, creating an oval/round shape.
Cook the crêpe up to a minute on the first side, until the edges start to
brown; then flip with a nonstick spatula and finish the other side in 30-60
seconds. Continue cooking crêpes until the batter is done. Stack finished
crêpes on top of each other on a plate and wrap loosely with plastic.
Reduce heat to medium-high. In a mixing bowl toss together the vegeta-
bles with the olive oil and salt. Spread vegetables out onto the griddle top.
Cook for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are nicely browned and tender.
Once vegetables are cooked, place crêpe in the raclette dish. Layer with
some cooked mushrooms and onions and top with a slice of cheese.
Fold the crêpe like an envelope or package and then top with a second
slice of cheese. Place under grill and leave for 3-4 minutes, or until the
cheese is melted and bubbly.
Turn out onto plate with the raclette spatula.
Variations: Add 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of chopped chives to the crêpe
batter. Add 1⁄2cup (125 ml) cooked wild rice to the batter with
or without chives.
This is definitely a recipe where you can be as creative as you want to be!
SWEET CRÊPE BATTER
Makes 2 cups batter/ approximately 20 crêpes
1⁄4cup (50 ml) unsalted butter
1cup (250 ml) whole milk
3⁄4cup (175 ml) unbleached, all-purpose flour
1⁄2teaspoon (2 ml) salt
2tablespoons (25 ml) granulated sugar
3large eggs
1teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
Melt butter with the milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Place the flour,
salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl.
Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until mixture resembles a thick and sticky
batter. Whisk in the milk and butter until the batter is smooth. If time
allows, leave the batter to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1⁄2hour.
Batter is best used within 3 days.
SWEET CRÊPES
Makes 20 crêpes
1recipe Sweet Crêpe Batter
11⁄2cups (375 ml) chocolate sauce
121-ounce (630 g) can of fruit pie filling
fresh berries
1recipe Sweet Mascarpone Cream (page 9)
berry coulis (optional)
powdered sugar for garnish
Assemble raclette, griddle side up. Turn to high and preheat for 10 minutes.
Pour 1⁄8cup (30 ml) of sweet crêpe batter onto the griddle top and spread
the batter out thin and evenly with the raclette spatula, creating an
oval/round shape. Cook the crêpe up to a minute on the first side, until the
edges start to brown, and then flip with a nonstick spatula and finish the
other side in 30-60 seconds. Continue cooking crêpes until the batter is
gone. Stack finished crêpes on top of each other on a plate and wrap
loosely with plastic.
In a raclette dish place a tablespoon (15 ml) of chocolate sauce, place the
crêpe on top and then top with 2 tablespoons (25 ml) of fruit filling and a
few fresh berries. Place under grill to warm for 2-3 minutes, turn out onto
plate with raclette spatula.
Serve with a dollop of the sweet mascarpone cream, fresh berries and
berry coulis on the side. Dust with powdered sugar.
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