Sunday Family Roast with a Potato Gratin Twist!

Last Sunday we headed over to Yarrawonga to visit my husbands's parents. My sister in law and her children were also visiting so it was a fun cousin catch up for all the kids.

We love our family catch ups and Im very blessed to be surrounded by good cooks on both sides. Not only are all the women good at whipping up good food but we love talking food and sharing recipes and trade secrets. I have a bundle of emails sent to me from my mother in law, sister in law and sister of 'tried and tested' recipes that then become our family favourites. Its not about fancy cooking, but rather meals that are quick and easy to whip up using good fresh produce that ultimately tastes great.

I have to say though I cant resist Sunday Roast at my 'In Laws'. Fena 'whips' up the most delicious roast- whatever the meat! She has well and truly mastered the art as her growing family of six has catapulted and extended to almost 20! Being ten adults and nine grandchildren aged from 7 months to 11 years old.

We all pitch in whether its setting tables, peeling veggies, clearing up and washing dishes, or keeping the little ones out of the kitchen! 

To help this time, I offered to bring a Potato Gratin-the idea being less work for them that morning. Something easy I could prepare the night before, and travels well.

And really, despite not a traditional member of the roast family, who can resist a Potato Gratin?

Ive never been any good at making a potato gratin and so for years after making them (trialling with no success sadly-especially for Husband), I gave up and just ate everyone else's that seemed to work- and taste good- and then leave with a huge pang of jealousy.

Then I was flicking through a book all about country gardens with a few recipes thrown in, and found this recipe. It has the 1970's written all over it with the secret ingredient being French onion soup mix!

It seriously is so easy and tastes so good......and now I bake it quite regularly- it tastes even better the next day- if it lasts that long. Ive omitted sliced fresh onion, because I think the soup mix is enough, but you can always add if you want too.

So here is my recipe for the very easy Potato Gratin.....

You will need-

Enough potatoes thinly sliced to fill your casserole dish

600ml thickened cream

2 teaspoons of minced garlic

1 Packet of french onion soup mix

1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese

salt and pepper-to taste

Chopped herbs- parsley or thyme

Extra parmesan cheese for on top!

Start by parboiling the thin slices of potatoes. 

Place in dish and leave.

Mix together the cream, garlic, soup mix, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and chopped herbs.

Pour over potatoes and top with extra cheese and herbs.

Bake for about half an hour in a moderate oven.

Just keep an eye on it and basically it is ready once it looks golden on top.

See...simple!

And the best part is you can serve it with ANYTHING.....

(well, perhaps not ice cream!)

Enjoy x