Potato and Mushroom Gratin

Who would have guessed that Cosmopolitan had tasty recipes?!? I snagged a copy of an old issue from HW yesterday during my shift, and while reading it, stumbled upon an easy recipe for Potato and Mushroom Gratin. I made a few slight changes to the recipe including additions of garlic, extra pepper, and shredded mozzarella and provolone on top.

While cooking, I listen to holiday music (from On-Demand) and sipped a little Merlot, which is my new favorite red wine. I’m still surprised how much I like it!

Recipe inspired by Cosmopolitan, February 2008

Ingredients

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425*F, and coat a baking dish in cooking spray.  Combine potatoes, milk, wine, salt, and pepper in a saucepan, and bring to a boil, stiring occasionally. Let simmer while you slice mushrooms. Put butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms; cook for 3 minutes.  Stir mushrooms and their juices into potatoes. Pour into baking dish. Bake for 40 minutes until top is crisp. Sprinkled shredded cheese on top of potatoes and mushroom; bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is a golden brown.   

My portion of Potato and Mushroom Gratin, which was carby, comforting, and cheesy! Although, next time: more cheese!

On the side, I made a homemade salad with spinach, arugula, tomatoes, red onions, and avocado, all drizzled with balsamic vinegar. 

Together… 

Work was so busy this afternoon! Immediately after my loooonng lunch meeting, I had another meeting, followed by a number of tasks that had to be finished by the end of the day. Busy, busy! 

Today’s lunch included a variety of goodies: salmon, tofu, stuffed tomatoes, and pasta with spinach and pinto beans. Delicious and nutritious!

My plate from above… 

Afternoon snack and treats…

Missing from today’s photos is a big, fat, jumbo oatmeal raisin cookie. There was a huge plate of cookies at my second meeting that continuously called my name! I swear! I finally gave in and ate one. It was delicious, but I am feeling a little guilty because: (1) I didn’t exercise today; (2) I wasn’t hungry; and (3) the cookie was enormous!!! Oh well, what can I do now, right? Sweaty workout tomorrow morning! 

Time for How I Met Your Mother!