Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

OMG 5-Minute Individual Potato Gratin

September 10, 2009 · Narrative

Potato Gratin

As soon as I took the first bite of this 5-Minute Individual Potato Gratin, I immediately thought of my Mom.  She’s a big fan of gratins, as am I, and I know she will love these.  The recipe comes from Melissa D’Arabian, the newest addition to Food Network‘s line-up (you can read more about her here), and when she was making this, she mentioned that her little girls love helping her make it.  After you get the chopping out of the way, it’s a great recipe to get help from the little hands in your house, since the rest of it is layer, layer, layer.

With just a bit of chopping and layering, the recipe is very easy prep-wise, and once all the ingredients are layered in the muffin tin, it peacefully does its thing in the oven for 35-40 minutes.  Once you have it in the oven, it’s the perfect time to begin working on your main course … I made a Chicken Fried Steak recipe for dinner, and by the time the steak was done, so were the potatoes, perfect timing.

The individual nature of the dish makes it a great little side for your next grown-up soiree, but the ease of the recipe makes it perfect for a hectic weeknight as well.  And, of course, if your kids will eat this sort of thing, all the better.  Nick said he would “force” himself to try it and managed to make it through one whole individual gratin, so I’ll take that as a personal victory.  I took one gratin apart and gave Madeline the potato pieces, so it worked well for the toddler set too.

As for me?

With the tender potato bites studded by bits of cheese and overall creaminess, it was a swoon from the first bite.   The recipe is very flexible too, as I swapped out several ingredients to use what I hand on hand (cippolini onions went in for the scallions and Fontina for the Swiss), and it was still excellent.  I guarantee this one will be hitting my table again and again, and it will be just perfect for an upcoming Fall-themed Moms Night In gathering next month.  Total yum.

5-Minute Individual Potato Gratins
Recipe courtesy of Melissa D’Arabian

  • Vegetable spray
  • 2 large russet potatoes, roughly peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Spray 8 muffin tins with vegetable spray. Layer potato slices, cheese, and onions into each muffin cup. Season with salt and pepper and top each gratin with 1 or 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Cover with foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, removing the foil halfway through cooking time. Invert gratins onto plate and serve.

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: 5-Minute Individual Potato Gratin, Food Network, Melissa D'Arabian

Comments

  1. Aggie says

    September 10, 2009 at 11:28 pm

    I saw her make this on the show and thought it was a great idea! Yours look great. Am definitely going to make these with my little ones.

    Reply
  2. Claire says

    September 10, 2009 at 11:46 pm

    This looks quite good! I’m going to have to remember this for dinner parties.

    Reply
  3. Joanne says

    September 11, 2009 at 6:15 am

    This does sound great for a dinner party but also perfect for a normal night side dish! The perfect versatile meal. I havent’ seen Melissa’s show yet but one of these days I would really like to watch it.

    Reply
  4. Erica says

    September 11, 2009 at 6:41 am

    LOVE your blog- can’t wait to look around more. I love Melissa and her new show…these look so tasty. I know my husband would also be able to “force” a few of these gratins down ;)

    Reply
  5. Kris #40 says

    September 11, 2009 at 7:48 am

    This is an OMG! I’m thinking I would like these right now for breakfast!

    Paula Deen’s French Toast casserole (minus pecans – my family doesn’t like nuts) will be one of the items on my menu on Sunday. Thanks for the suggestion.

    I think I will try candy Bacon too.

    Reply
  6. leslie says

    September 11, 2009 at 9:06 am

    Looks divine. I love anything potato

    Reply
  7. girlichef says

    September 11, 2009 at 9:37 am

    YUM! Potatoes and cheese tucked into muffins tins…what’s not to love. I will have to try making these…I know the kiddos would gobble ’em up. Well, so would I, but… :)

    Reply
  8. Debbie says

    September 11, 2009 at 10:51 am

    Looks delicious. Melissa is one talented and creative lady!

    Reply
  9. Starnesfam says

    September 11, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    I love this recipe. Been making a ton of Pioneer Woman’s Crash Hot Potatoes and so this will be a nice change. As always, love your blog!

    Reply
  10. Patsy says

    September 11, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    I keep missing her show! Must remember to set the DVR this weekend! I’ve been playing with this idea in my head for a week or 2 but hadn’t put it into action yet. Looks fabulous!

    Reply
  11. Michele says

    September 11, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    A bunch of us on bakespace made this for our coast to coast challenge and we all loved it!

    Reply
  12. Joni Lloyd says

    September 11, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    looks delish!! i love melissa’s recipes. i will have to try these. thanks for stopping by my blog by the way!

    Reply
  13. Sarah @ In A Dream says

    September 11, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    Those look so good! I think I could even make them on my college-student budget!!! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Donna says

    September 11, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    SOOO grateful for your review on these. I plan on trying them shortly. Look delicious!!

    Reply
  15. Cynthia says

    September 11, 2009 at 10:00 pm

    I heard her mention this recipe while competing in the show. Looks and sounds delicious.

    Reply
  16. Jilly says

    September 14, 2009 at 4:21 pm

    I saw this too and thought NUM! I am grilling BBQ ribs tonight, this will be my side dish!

    Reply
  17. Jilly says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:23 am

    So I tried these Monday night, and for some reason mine were kind of soupy, what do you think I did wrong. I love your blog and your website btw. You have the BEST recipes and write wonderful reviews. Best of luck in all that you do!

    Reply
  18. Cate says

    September 21, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    Jilly – first thought would be too much cream added to the top. Second thought would be if you used a different type of potato. I used Yukons and they were fine. Reds might be too moist a potato.

    Reply

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Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!

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Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.

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