Domestic life and foods commonly used in Switzerland
DOMESTIC LIFE
The Swiss reputation for hard work, orderliness, and simplicity is
evidenced in the home. Swiss home-makers are "scrubbers": every corner is
scrupulously clean and ordered. Swiss kitchens vie with any in the western
world for efficiency, appliances and convenience, but gadgets are used
only if they are truly timesaving. Shoddy materials and poor quality are
as little tolerated in the kitchen as they are in industry.
Although the true origin of Swiss fondues is lost in antiquity the fondue
remains a favored meal and a form of entertainment. Most Swiss homes have
the necessary accoutrements: the caquelon, a shallow but sturdy
earthenware casserole for heating the cheese fondue, a supply of
long-handled forks for dipping, and a practical stand and heat source
usually for alcohol heating. For fondue friture (clunking foods in hot
oil), the Swiss home will be equipped with a deep heavy metal pot, wider
at the base than at the top to prevent tipping and possible spattering
while frying. For the newly introduced chocolate fondue (introduced in New
York by Beverley Allen for the Swiss Chalet Restaurants), a small
candle-heated earthenware pot is used.
Finally for the delightful Swiss supper of raclette, an efficient gadget
that not only keeps plates warm but also holds a big wedge of cheese
firmly in place for melting is also a part of the culinary equipment.
Mountain cheeses such as Gomser, Raclette, Belalp, or
Bagnes are best for
melting.
The Swiss standard of living is very high and this is reflected in the
many specialty shops for bakery and pastries, meats and fancy
delicatessen. Preparation of foods, packaging and displays reach such a
high standard that they can seldom be duplicated elsewhere. Huge varieties
of imported goods of every type await the shopper and convenience foods
abound. Even raw meats in butcher shops are displayed with artistry,
garnished with sprigs of greens and trimmed and shaped so that the
homemaker need only cook them. In addition, a growing variety of prepared
foods awaits the harried homemaker. The long tradition of daily shopping
to ensure the freshest produce and baked goods is slowly declining as more
and more women join the workforce. Even the sale of deep freezers is
increasing.