12/52 and Red Nose Day baking

Last night, after the marathon baking sesh, the boys went off to music. Once they returned, they rolled up their sleeves, washed their hands and iced each and every bun. 

Then, this morning, I helped Youngest to carry into his school, one small tub and 6 large tins full of chocolate iced buns. Success!


 I suspect there won't be a single one left this afternoon - oh well, back to the kitchen......

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Last night, after all that baking and icing, the last thing I wanted to do was cook an evening meal. However, Himself has permanent hollow legs and looked rather forlorn at the prospect of nothing to eat.

So a quick look in what I call my 'lazy cook book'  I found this - 

Baked Leek and Potato Gratin. 

It was really quick and easy and filling. (So it is recipe number 12/52)

2lbs potatoes - sliced (the recipe called for thinly - mine were a bit more 'rustic' in size)

2 large leeks (or several smaller ones dug out of the garden)

7oz grated cheese (the recipe called for brie or camembert but I used cheddar)

3/4 pint cream (I used milk!!)

1. Preheat the oven to 180 deg c
2. cook potatoes in salted boiling water until slightly softened and drain well
3. cut the leeks into 1cm lengths and blanch in boiling water then drain (I actually chucked mine into the potato water as it was already lovely and hot and just waiting there)
4. turn half the potatoes into a shallow ovenproof dish and spread out to cover the base
5. chuck in most of the leeks over the potato layer
6. cover with the remaining half of potato slices, leeks and the cheese
7. pour on the milk
8. season with salt and pepper to taste

Bake for about an hour until tender and golden and smelling absolutely delish!

The recipe suggests that if the top browns too quickly to cover with some tin foil to prevent burning.

I'd accidently broken a couple of eggs after the bun making marathon so I fried those and served them on top of the gratin and the look on Himself's face when he saw that I was still going to feed him was delightful!

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