Every now and again I get a request for a special recipe. My dear friend Sherry made such a request. You see, her sweetheart has just gone off to Afghanistan and she is feeling mighty down. Now, let me fill you in......to know Sherry is to love Sherry. She is beautiful inside and out. She has a heart as big as Dallas, although she lives in the deep south. Her generosity and love extends to rescuing sea turtles, loving animals, she is an amazing artist, and she can make a difference in everyone's life without even knowing what she is doing. Everyone that she touches is blessed to know her. She is generous, bawdy, witty, and absolutely gorgeous! And, although it is hard to believe, she is a proud new Grandma! This darling girl needs some comfort food, and she needs it fast! Her request was for something with potatoes, a green vegetable, and cheese.
So, in honor of a beautiful lady, here is a beautiful dish that I hope will warm her soul and give her a bit of comfort.......
Kale and Potato Au Gratin
Kale is so sweet this time of year. It is not just for decorating a meat display. The colder weather gives it a nice sweetness and it is extremely nutritious. I don't give a damn about that. I just like it because it tastes good. You're gonna love this, Sherry!
* 1 large bunch of kale (about 1 pound) washed, and torn
* 1 small onion chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼ inch thick slices. Use a mandoline if you have one.
* 2 tablespoons butter (sliced into pats)
* 1 tsp. garlic powder
* 1 tsp. salt
* ½ tsp. cracked pepper
* 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Colby-jack, gruyere and/or cheddar...or a mixture)
* 2 tablespoons flour
* 2 tablespoons of butter ( or a bit more...)
* 3/4 cup milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter or spray a 2-quart baking dish.
Remove kale leaves from stalks, tearing into pieces and wash. Wash it good. Dirt tastes like crap. The first time I made collards, I didn't know this, and ruined a good meal. Set aside to drain.
In skillet, heat the olive oil and butter. Sautee onions until almost done. Add kale to pan and cover, stirring occasionally, until kale is wilted. Remove from pan and let cool. This only gets better......
In same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium low heat. Sift in flour, stirring with a whisk constantly until smooth. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly. Once milk starts to thicken, add salt, garlic powder and pepper, stirring constantly. Add shredded cheese and stir until cheese has melted. Set aside.
Layer potatoes and kale mixture in baking dish, making sure you start and end with the potatoes.
Place pats of butter on each kale layer. Don't be skimpy.
Once layers are complete. Pour sauce mixture over entire dish. This is gonna be amazing.
Once layers are complete. Pour sauce mixture over entire dish.
I got this recipe from Dani Hausek. I changed a few things, but not much. I might add some applewood bacon, chopped up and cooked and then add it when I put it together.
Sherry.......I hope this makes you smile. :)
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