Wednesday, August 12, 2009

The Next Food Network Star Winning Recipe Review

My 9-year-old daughter is infatuated with the food network this year.  She was rooting for MELISSA D'ARABIAN.

We watched the finale together and learned about this great dish, Rustic Lemon-Onion Chicken Recipe accompanied by 5 - Minute Individual Potato Gratins.  (which by the way is a poor name for the dish.  They took 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook)  

They both tasted great and my husband and daughter said it was the best dish I ever made. Thanks Melissa =)  My version of her recipe is as follows: 

Muffin Potatoes Au Gratin 

Ingredients

  • Vegetable spray
  • 2 large russet potatoes, roughly peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup grated Cheddar and Swiss
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup of crispy bacon (optional)
  • Salt and freshly black pepper
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Spray 8 muffin tins with vegetable spray. Make 4 layers:  Layer potato slices, cheeses, bacon and onions into each muffin cup.  Season each layer with salt and pepper.  PRESS FIRMLEY TO FILL CUP. THen 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.  


Melissa's reply when asked 
Why should she be the next food network star? I relate to people in a number of key demographics: the single career woman, the stay-at-home parent, and the working parent. I've been in all of these circumstances, and my experiences drive both my way of life and my culinary point of view. I have four kids (aged four and under), but I think the fact that I'm not "supermom" makes me accessible. I want parents across America to breathe a sigh of relief when they see me on TV and to say to themselves, "if she can do it, then so can I."

Well Melissa.  You did it, and I tried it.  It was fabulous.  Thanks for the inspiration!

3 comments:

  1. I was rooting for Melissa the whole time too and watched the premiere of her new show. Can't wait to make this dish for dinner next week. Thanks for sharing your experience!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was thrilled that Mellisa won as well..I like her new show so far. Meals under $10.00 for a family of four. Who wouldn't love that?
    I actually made the little Au Gratins Monday night and yes they were fabulous, but they did take alot longer than just 5 minutes, definitely worht it though!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I can't wait to hear how your recipes turned out. How many layers did you do? I made two but I think it would be great with four and just push it down to fill up the tin.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for sharing!