Recipe of the Month: Potatoes Au Gratin
Potatoes Au Gratin
Makes: 6-8 Servings
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 pounds russet (Idaho) potatoes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 medium garlic clove, crushed
- 1 ½ to 2 cups half and half or whole milk
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Freshly grated nutmeg to taste
- 4 tablespoons crème fraîche
- ⅓ to ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Peel and wash the potatoes and slice them into rounds ⅛-inch thick, using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
- Butter a 9x12 heavy shallow baking dish, preferably earthenware or cast-enamel, or an oval gratin dish of comparable size. (You could also use a 12-inch cast iron skillet.) Rub the dish with half of the crushed garlic.
- In a small saucepan, bring the half-and-half (or whole milk) to a simmer with the remaining garlic and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange the potatoes in one overlapping layer on the bottom of the dish. Season the layer with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Arrange two more layers on top, seasoning each layer. Press the layers down and compact them. Pour in enough half-and-half to come up just a little below the top layer of potatoes. Set the baking dish on a larger baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake until the potatoes feel tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 hour.
- Raise the oven temperature to 425 degrees F, remove the foil, and bake until the top begins to brown, about 10 minutes. Pour just enough cream to cover the top, dab it with crème fraîche and sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese. Bake until the top is brown and bubbly, 15-20 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let the potatoes sit for 10 minutes to absorb the cream.
Original Source: Epicurious.com
So simple to make at home and 1000% worth the little effort it requires.
The Summer Go Bag: A Tiny Kit That Saves the Day Summer has a way of making “quick little outings” turn into full-blown adventures. A trip to the pool becomes dinner on the way home. A Saturday errand turns into a stop at the park. A lake day somehow requires 47 items, three snacks, and at least one person asking, “Did anyone bring sunscreen?” Enter: The Summer Go Bag . It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be perfectly organized. It’s just a small tote, backpack, bin, or canvas bag you keep stocked with the little things that make summer life easier. Think of it as your warm-weather backup plan. What to put in your Summer Go Bag: Sunscreen + bug spray Because nothing ruins a good day faster than realizing you needed both about two hours ago. Reusable water bottles Keep one or two empty bottles in the bag, or toss in a couple of bottles of water before you leave. A small first-aid kit Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, allergy medicine, and any must-have family basics. Phone charger or power bank Especially helpful for road trips, long days out, or those “I swear my phone was at 42% five minutes ago” moments. Wet wipes + tissues For sticky hands, spilled drinks, mystery car messes, and every parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle who has learned the hard way. A lightweight towel or blanket Great for parks, wet seats, surprise splash pads, outdoor concerts, or impromptu picnics. A few snacks Granola bars, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks — anything that can survive a little heat and prevent a hunger-related family incident. Plastic bags or a small trash bag For wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, snack wrappers, or anything you don’t want touching the rest of your car. Spare sunglasses or a hat Simple, useful, and always appreciated when someone forgets theirs. Pet basics, if applicable A leash, collapsible water bowl, waste bags, and a small towel can make pet-friendly outings much easier. Where to keep it: Your car is usually the easiest spot, especially if you’re often on the go. If your vehicle gets too hot, keep heat-sensitive items like sunscreen, medicine, and snacks inside the house and toss them in before you leave. You can also make a smaller version for: Pool bags Lake bags Sports practices Road trips Grandkid days Dog park visits The real trick: Restock when you get home The Go Bag only works if it’s ready when you need it. After a busy weekend, take two minutes to replace what you used: snacks, wipes, sunscreen, bandages, water bottles, or plastic bags. That tiny reset makes the next outing so much easier. Summer should feel a little more spontaneous — and a little less like you’re packing for an expedition every time you leave the house. A simple Go Bag won’t solve everything, but it might just save the day.
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Insurance can be confusing — and most people have questions they feel like they should already know the answer to.
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