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The potato, onion, bacon thing.

'potatoes, cheese, and bacon. whats not to like?' 

My nan, bless her, was not a good cook, was never interested in being a good cook(neither of them actually). so when people talk about Nonna food I feel a little jealous and bereft. that being said there are some comfort foods that bring to mind my Nan.  This is a simple layered potato gratin which is baked in the oven until it forms a crust on top and is unctuous and rich underneath.   nan would serve this with baked beans and brown sauce but i think a light acidic salad would serve.

Ingredients
Potato (a waxy variety cut into flat rounds)
Cheese (traditionally a cheddar cheese but this isn't a fussy recipe)
Bacon (I'm vegetarian so I just don't put it in my version)
Onions (rings, optional)


  1. layer up in a Pyrex dish cheese, then potato then onion, then bacon, then potato, then cheese... season at every layer 
  2. Bake in the oven until the potato is cooked through and the top is crunchy and brown
  3. Serve 

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