Prepare for culinary excitement! Today, we celebrate a monumental achievement that has filled my heart with immense pride and joy. My dear friend, Laurie, the brilliant mind behind the beloved food blog, Simply Scratch, has officially launched her very first cookbook! This is truly a moment for cheering, applause, and perhaps even a celebratory dance or two. It’s an honor to witness such a significant milestone for someone who has poured so much passion and creativity into the culinary world.
My journey with Laurie began back in the vibrant atmosphere of BlogHer Food Austin, circa 2013. Even before our paths officially crossed, I was deeply captivated by her blog, her exquisite food photography, and her remarkably approachable recipes. Rooming with her at the infamous “Condo Curse” pad during the conference was simply the icing on an already delicious cake. Laurie possesses that rare, magnetic quality that draws people in instantly. She is genuine, grounded, and radiates warmth, much like the comforting food she creates. Our shared love for good conversation, a fine glass of red wine, and hearty laughter solidified a bond that weekend. By the time I left Austin, I carried with me the wonderful realization that I could proudly call her a true friend, a connection I cherish deeply.
To now be celebrating her incredible cookbook, SIMPLY SCRATCH: 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy, and to watch her well-deserved success unfold, even gracing QVC, fills my heart to the brim. Seriously, friends, you absolutely *must* get your hands on this culinary masterpiece. This isn’t just another cookbook; it’s a testament to the joy of cooking wholesome, delicious meals without the fuss. Laurie has a unique gift for making home cooking feel effortless and incredibly rewarding. Her recipes are not only accessible for every skill level but are also profoundly delicious, guaranteeing satisfaction with every bite. In our fast-paced lives, especially when juggling weeknight dinners, I, like many of you, crave simple, quick, and utterly scrumptious meals that can be prepared in a flash. This cookbook delivers precisely that, becoming an indispensable resource in any home kitchen seeking comfort and convenience.
With the festive holiday season rapidly approaching, bringing with it gatherings, celebrations, and countless meal preparations, I instantly thought of this Broccoli White Cheddar Gratin. It truly represents the perfect addition to any party menu, a heartwarming side dish for a holiday feast, or a comforting weeknight meal that elevates the everyday. My adoration for broccoli mirrors Laurie’s; it’s a vegetable that has, unfairly, received a bit of a bad rap over the years, often overshadowed by the trendiness of Brussels sprouts and kale. But in this particular gratin, broccoli reclaims its rightful place as a culinary star. What transforms this dish into an absolute 11/10 experience is, without a doubt, the rich and creamy white cheddar sauce. The marriage of tender-crisp broccoli florets and a luscious, savory cheese sauce is simply divine. Vegetables and cheese? It’s a combination that truly demands a resounding “Yes, please!” every single time.
Beyond its undeniably incredible flavor profile, one of the most remarkable aspects of this Broccoli White Cheddar Gratin is its sheer ease of preparation. It’s a dish that can be effortlessly assembled at the last minute, making it ideal for unexpected guests or those busy evenings when time is a luxury. Furthermore, it’s incredibly cost-efficient, utilizing readily available ingredients to create something truly special. For parents, it offers a fantastic and delicious way to encourage even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their greens. Who can resist a serving of vibrant broccoli cloaked in a creamy, golden-brown cheddar sauce? Have I managed to convince you of its irresistible charm? I hope your answer is a resounding “YES!” This recipe, plucked directly from Laurie’s amazing cookbook, exemplifies the philosophy of “Simply Scratch” – crafting delicious, wholesome food that brings joy and ease to your kitchen.
While the previous giveaway for Laurie’s cookbook is now closed (congratulations again to Jennifer Anne!), the opportunity to bring the magic of “SIMPLY SCRATCH: 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy” into your home remains. I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore this treasure trove of culinary inspiration. If this delightful gratin has piqued your interest, imagine the countless other wholesome, homemade recipes waiting to be discovered within its pages. Laurie’s approach to cooking is all about embracing fresh ingredients and creating meals that nourish both body and soul, without unnecessary complexity. Her book is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine, expand their repertoire of delicious dishes, and rediscover the pleasure of cooking from scratch. It’s a celebration of good food, good company, and the simple joys of a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones. Dive into the world of Simply Scratch and transform your everyday cooking into an extraordinary experience.
Congratulations once more, Laurie, on this outstanding achievement! Your dedication, talent, and passion shine through every page of your cookbook, inspiring countless home cooks to embrace the beauty of cooking from scratch. We are all incredibly proud of you! MWAH!
Broccoli White Cheddar Gratin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 recipe Cream of Chicken Soup (see below for instructions)
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups grated Vermont white cheddar cheese
8 cups fresh broccoli florets (from about 4 heads)
for the homemade cream of chicken soup:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small shallot, minced (about 1/4 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 1/2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup whole milk
Pinch of kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly butter a 2-quart oval baking dish. Arrange the fresh broccoli florets evenly in the prepared baking dish and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine the prepared homemade cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, kosher salt, coarsely ground black pepper, freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well combined. Cook this sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the grated Vermont white cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Carefully pour the rich cheese sauce evenly over the broccoli in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheese over the top of the gratin, ensuring an even layer for a beautiful golden crust.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden brown. Let the gratin cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly, ensuring perfect, creamy servings.
for the homemade cream of chicken soup:
In a 10-inch skillet, melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and garlic, stir well, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are just beginning to soften and become fragrant. Sprinkle in the unbleached all-purpose flour, stir constantly, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux, cooking out the raw flour taste.
While continuously whisking to prevent lumps, gradually pour in the chicken broth and then the whole milk. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it reaches your desired thick consistency. Season generously with a pinch of kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon of coarsely ground black pepper. This homemade soup base adds incredible depth of flavor to your gratin.
Full recipe adapted from SIMPLY SCRATCH: 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy
All images and text ©Lauren Grier for The Curious Plate