Saturday, 19 June 2021

Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions & Cheese

 


Ah, yes, the internet.  You can find all kinds of recipes.  Including this one.  I think that I just like the presentation.  I do love scalloped potatoes, but this one had some differences that I just couldn't pass up.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
4 thinly sliced onions
6 medium potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled, thinly sliced 
3/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese, divided 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp of butter
1/3 cup chicken stock
1 tsp rosemary

Stuff you will need

Sauté pan (I prefer cast iron skillet)
Casserole dish
Mandolin
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Directions

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium high heat in a thick-bottomed sauté pan. Add the sliced onions, stir to coat with the olive oil, and cook until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400°F

In a large bowl put the sliced potatoes and gently toss with 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, salt, and white pepper.

Butter a large gratin dish or 9x13 casserole lightly and line with the caramelized onions in an even layer at the bottom of the dish.

Arrange the sliced potatoes (including the grated cheeses) in a pattern over the onions.

Pour stock over the potatoes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 50 minutes (or until fork tender). Remove aluminum foil. Broil for 5 minutes, uncovered, until lightly browned.

Sprinkle with minced rosemary to serve.

Friday, 4 June 2021

Marvelous Meatloaf


Once again, I found something that caught my eye.  I really like stuff that is considered "comfort food".  This certainly would be it.

Ingredients

1 lb 80/20 ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 box 150 gram Boursin Garlic and Herbs*1
1/4 cup diced parsley
1 bell pepper diced
1/2 large onion diced 
2 tbsp sour cream
1-2 tbsp garlic paste
2 beaten eggs
1 1/2 - 2 cups bread crumbs
smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes
salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder

Sauce

1 cup BBQ 
1 cup ketchup
1-2 tbsp tomato paste or cornstarch
2 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
salt and pepper / smoked paprika

Stuff you will need

1 large mixing bowl for the meat
1 small sauce pan for the sauce
Wire whisk for the sauce
Cookie sheet*2
Tin Foil*2
Wire rack*2
BBQ Brush

Directions

Sauté veggies, parsley, and garlic for 3-4 minutes. Place in fridge to chill.

In a large mixing bowl combine remaining ingredients (except sauce ingredients). Work everything together with your hands until it forms one large meatball. Add bread crumbs a little at a time until the loaf takes shape. Place mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 375 and form the meat into a loaf shape.

Place on wire rack or into a loaf pan. 

Bake for 30 minutes. 

Mix together sauce ingredients over low heat. Baste meatloaf with sauce and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes. 

Meatloaf is done when it registers 165 degrees internal temp in the middle.

*1 you can substitute herb and garlic cream cheese
*2 you can use a bread loaf pan