FLORENTINE POTATO GRATIN

Oh my goodness! This is one of my very favorite dishes! I love the rich, gooey, creaminess of the gratin combined with the earthiness of the spinach.

I wanted to make a special dinner to celebrate my Uncles birthday - and came up with a menu that reflected how fabulous we think he is - a beautiful beef tenderloin with a roquefort mushroom sauce and these incredible florentine potatoes, followed by a vanilla cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting.

While I cooked, the kids set the table, and recruited our honored guest to put a blanket on his back, call himself Sprinkles and gallop around the front yard as our family pony. An all around wonderful evening!

FLORENTINE POTATO GRATIN

4 to 5 potatoes
6 cups water
1 tablespoon salt
1 (12 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
3/4 teaspoon white pepper
8 bacon slices, cooked and chopped
6 to 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Bring potatoes, water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan over medium high heat, reduce heat and simmer 8 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain and set aside.
Drain spinach well, pressing between paper towels.
Spread half of potatoes in a lightly greased baking dish, sprinkle evenly with half of pepper. Spread spinach over potatoes, sprinkle with bacon. Top with remaining potatoes and remaining pepper.
Stir together cream cheese and sour cream. Dollop cream cheese mixture evenly over potatoes, sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake at 400F for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, October 2006
www.southernliving.com › Food › Recipes