Good Ole Home Cooking

I know... it's about time...

So with the weather finally allowing some much wanted grill-time, I decided to take advantage before the next wave of storms creep through...

Tonight's menu included Lemon-Pepper grilled chicken, potato-leek gratin, steamed broccoli, and Caguama Cerveza aka "Turtle beer":

The potato-leek gratin does take some time, but it's definitely worth the effort.

Potato-Leek Gratin

3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 lbs leeks, white and light green parts, cut into 1/4 rings
salt
1 tsp fresh thyme, minced
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
ground pepper
3/4 cup heavy cream, separated into 1/2 and 1/4 cups
6 oz Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
3 oz Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, freshly grated
2 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4 slices
3 tbsp fresh chives, minced

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees

In a 12" skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and salt, stirring to coat the leeks with the butter.

Cover, cooking for 10-15 minutes and stirring occasionally until the leeks are soft. Add thyme, nutmeg, ground pepper, and 1/2 cup of cream. Simmer, uncovered, until thickened, about 10-12 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, and let cool.

Combine your grated cheeses into a bowl. Oil a large cast iron skillet, or a regular skillet if you don't have a cast iron. Line the bottom with a layer of potatoes. Spread half of the leek mix over the potatoes. Top the leek mixture with cheese.

Repeat the layering with potatoes, leeks, and then cheese. End with a layer of potatoes, then sprinkle with remaining cheese (I always use more cheese, so use as little or as much as you'd like) and chives. Cover skillet, and put into over. Bake covered for 40-45 minutes.

Remove the lid after 40-45 minutes, and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and crust is golden brown around edge.

Remove from oven. Turn your broiler on and let preheat. I sprinkled the top with a little more cheese and remaining chives and allowed the cheese to crisp under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare your chicken with olive oil and lemon pepper. Grill the pieces 5-6 minutes on each side...

Steam your broccoli for 6 minutes and you are ready to serve dinner!

And the only great way to end a fabulous and healthy meal is with a slice of Mom's homemade Toll House pie with a scoop of Graeter's (YES, Graeter's - found at Kroger) vanilla ice cream. Happy Tuesday! :)