NOTE: I spend my Wednesdays Unplugged from appointments. It's my day to stay home, enjoy cooking and welcome our kids and grandkids for dinner in the evening. We end our meal with quotes from the Norwegian 'Quote Cup' passed on to me from my grandmother. I share a quote and a recipe here each week, and sometimes some photos of family fun. I love trying new recipes…and love getting recipes you would like to share!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~ Berthold Auerbach
Music is a big part of the Christmas holiday season…as demonstrated by numerous concerts and radio stations that switch to a total holiday music format at this time of the year. It is amazing the memories that can be triggered by listening to a specific piece of music…it truly can wash away whatever is happening at that time in everyday life and speak directly to the soul.
We don't have to worry about having a White Christmas this year, they are predicting the snowiest Christmas in about 30 years, with snow starting tonight! We are celebrating with our family today…lucky timing…the snow is beautiful when you don't have to travel in it. I wish everyone safe travels, memorable moments and a holiday that warms your heart!
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
I made these potatoes at the same time I made the green beans I featured last week…they were tied for which was the favorite…both received numerous 'yum's and multiple servings! I had numerous dishes in the oven at the same time when I made this dish, and cooked at a lower temperature. I wasn't sure how much longer they would take to cook. I checked on them about 30-45 minutes prior to serving time and when I found them still somewhat hard I microwaved them until they pierced easily with a fork then put them back into the oven.
CREAMY AU GRATIN POTATOES
3 pounds red potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch slices- 3-4 tablespoons instant minced onion
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons flour (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups milk
- 3-4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter
Clean potatoes, peel if desired, slice in food processor or by hand. Set aside.
Melt 6 tablespoons butter in saucepan over medium heat. Mix in the flour and salt, and stir constantly with a whisk for one minute. Stir in milk, add instant onion. Cook until mixture has thickened. Stir in cheese all at once and continue stirring until melted, about 1 minute.
Butter a large flat casserole dish. Pour a small amount of sauce in bottom of casserole, then layer potatoes and sauce, ending with sauce on top.
Melt 6 tablespoons butter, toss with bread crumbs, reserve.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake 1 hour at 400 degrees, or longer at reduced temperature. Remove cover, check potatoes for tenderness, microwave if needed until just fork tender, then top with reserved bread crumbs and return to oven for about 30 minutes, until ready to serve.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – Email – HomesMSP.com
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