Today is Welsh Rarebit Day. The 'Fluffy Bunny Brigade' need not have a fit with this "Rabbit" recipe
Rabbit, Not Rarebit
The once-famous Welsh rabbit (please don’t call it “rarebit”) is a very old formulation. There isn’t much agreement on how Welsh rabbit might have gotten its name, but our favorite story is that sharp cheese melted into ale or beer, served over crisp toast, was a substitute for meat when the men had been unsuccessful in their hunting that day. It was left to the women to fix a meal, and we wouldn’t doubt, some clever woman came up with the name.
Welsh rabbit is similar to fondue, except that the melted cheese is poured over toast instead of dipping bread chunks into a pot of melted cheese.
Serves 2
2 tablespoons/29g butter
2 tablespoons/16g all-purpose flour
1/3 cup/80ml milk
1/2 cup/125ml beer or ale
1 teaspoon/5ml dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon/1ml each cayenne pepper and paprika
1 teaspoon/5ml Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 cups/181g sharp Cheddar,* shredded
1 egg yolk
4 slices bread for toast
Optional: sliced tomato
Optional garnishes: fresh snipped chives or thyme
2 tablespoons/16g all-purpose flour
1/3 cup/80ml milk
1/2 cup/125ml beer or ale
1 teaspoon/5ml dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon/1ml each cayenne pepper and paprika
1 teaspoon/5ml Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 cups/181g sharp Cheddar,* shredded
1 egg yolk
4 slices bread for toast
Optional: sliced tomato
Optional garnishes: fresh snipped chives or thyme
*You can use any semi-hard cheese, or a blend. Like fondue, Welsh rabbit is a great way to use up scraps of cheese.
1. PREPARE TOAST. We like rye toast or whole grain toast because of the added flavor; but use whatever bread you have.
2. MAKE ROUX. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat; whisk in flour until smooth and simmer roux for two minutes.
3. ADD LIQUIDS. Whisk in milk, then beer. You can use leftover beer: The effervescence cooks out. The more flavorful the beer, the better the dish.
4. ADD SEASONINGS. Add cayenne, mustard and paprika one at a time, whisking until smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce and whisk to combine.
5. ADD CHEESE. Whisk in Cheddar, 20% at a time, and blend until smooth.
6. ADD YOLK. Remove pan from flame; whisk in egg yolk for extra richness and body.
7. PLATE. Place two pieces of toast on each plate. Top with tomato slices. Pour cheese sauce over toast. Garnish with herbs.
Who needs a real rabbit: This “poor man’s supper” is delicious!
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