Dear readers,

I hope that you are all keeping yourselves warm this winter! Yesterday, as I was walking home from university, I had a sudden craving for Gratin Dauphinois. I used to make this dish all the time when I was a child, due to it's simplicity. As a student, half of my diet consists of potatoes. I am well known for eating "mountains of mash" on the side of every meal and so I decided to do something different with some of the potatoes from the 5kg bag that I purchase on every shopping trip!

Fortunately, I had some parmesan in the fridge. I find that this beauty goes with almost everything, especially everything potato.

Sitting here in my local coffeeshop here in Davis CA, I realize I've never shared with you one of their great innovations: Potatoes et. al.

The formula is simple: homefries topped with cheddar and broiled. Add guacamole, sour cream, salsa and an optional egg or two for a mighty brunch plate for just $6.

My only wish is that they'd use a nicer cheese; their foodservice shreds don't do their salty, crispy homefries justice. I've never attempted a home version, but a bit of quality cheddar would elevate the dish into the stratosphere.

Still, if you're ever at the Delta of Venus, and don't plan to do much with the rest of your day...