Best Ever Make-Ahead Potato Gratin Casserole

 Hello my darlings! It has been a crazy couple of weeks as we're busting out all the stops getting things together for the Bistro. Here's where we are so far on the interior. The rest of the equipment is coming really quickly!  The floors, walls and electrical are all in place. There's been a slight delay on the opening date so keep checking back...it should be in the next couple weeks. 

When I haven't been in the kitchen working on perfecting the new menu at Stonebridge Manor we've been catering some remarkable and beautiful weddings. Thing have been so wicked-fun! Benjamin is super easy to work with, quick to smile, and totally professional. Seriously. What's not to love? Look at him. He's just a freakin' fun dude! Yup. I've finally found my match in crazy-weirdness in the kitchen. Big things ahead with this guy!

 At any rate, one of my favorite things to do for large-scale events is get a lot of preparation done the day before the function, and though this isn't the exact recipe we use at the Manor, this is one of my all time favorite potato gratin casserole recipes because of the fact that I can make it ahead of an event and still have time the "day of" to do the fun stuff...like this...

So, here's the simple recipe for the potatoes. They're perfectly cheesy and loaded with awesome flavor. 

Chef Tess Make-Ahead Potato Gratin

12 servings

5 ½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and sliced to 1/8^th inch thick (about 10 potatoes)

2 cups sour cream

2 cup whole milk

2tsp salt

¼ cup flour

¼ cup butter or olive oil

2 medium onion, minced

3T garlic, minced

2tsp Thyme, fresh (or1 tsp dry)

2 tsp fennel seed, crushed

2tsp white pepper

1 cup Parmesan cheese

2 cups cheddar cheese or Asiago, shredded


Make the gratins: combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Making sure to Prep and assemble the sour cream, milk, salt and flour in a bowl before slicing potatoes (so they don't brown). Do not store sliced potatoes in water or the gratin will be watery and flavorless.

 Saute the minced onion and garlic in butter until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add thyme, fennel seeds and pepper. Add the sauted onion mixture into the potato mixture. Turn bowl of potatoes into a 9 by 16 inch GREASED baking dish, pressing the potatoes into a flat even layer.

 Top with cheese. 

  Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375 degrees 1 hr 45 minutes. Transfer the gratins from oven to a cooling rack. Cool uncovered 45 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated up to 3 days.

 For service: Remove from the fridge and allow to warm to room temp (about 45 minutes) remove the plastic wrap. Bake at 450 degrees uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is golden brown.

There you go my darlings! Make some great potatoes!

Always My Very Best,

Your Friend Chef Tess

First Glimpses of the Bistro, the Chefs and the progress!

Those who have been following the recent changes in the Chef Tess adventure were probably just as surprised and excited as we were to hear that we'd be starting a little Bistro here in Mesa, Arizona as part of the amazing venue at Stonebridge Manor . Someone was asking me, "Why is it called  Stonebridge Manor?"...Yes. There is a  stone bridge.  The bridge was added by the visionary owner of the manor, Michael Mills when he purchased the property in 1998. It had previously been a private mansion (details here).  

Michael upgraded the facility dramatically by adding impeccably manicured grounds, an elegant ballroom, a spacious outdoor pavilion and  a state of the art new catering kitchen.   Over 2600 weddings and special events later, his attention to detail, leadership, and the reputation of his staff are undeniable.  This guy is seriously awesome! 

When  Michael Mills asked me if I would be interested in heading up the Bistro part of the food and beverage division of the manor, Palm Street Culinary, my heart almost skipped a beat.  How long have I been talking about running a cafe or bistro?  The reality set in this week as I got to nail down a few details on the menu and take some photos of the location's progress.  "The Bistro" will be located on the East side of the manor.  By the way, we haven't set the name of the cafe/bistro yet so I'm referring to it as the "Bistro" until we get a real name set. Michael Mills has created an unparalleled level of quality in his previous ventures and this will, undoubted be another wonderful success. I'm honored by the trust he is putting in me.  This bistro isn't a wedding venue. It is an on-location foodie destination. It will tantalize and surprise! The best part is, that it will be where you can find me every day of the week.

There is a beautiful Victorian fence surrounding the courtyard dining area and when you arrive, this is what you will see... 

(minus the picture of me dancing the jig and cheering to see you!)

 Feel free to walk through the gate and say hello. Smooches. Hugs. Cheering! Pastries handing from my ears if you're lucky...

There will be outside seating to enjoy the Arizona sunshine, as well as a full take-out menu.
I can't wait to share with you what we'll be serving, but it is still a surprise!   The prices will be more than reasonable and it will be open for lunch initially and then we'll be adding breakfast (and hopefully dinner) down the line. The faster the place takes off, the better chance of adding the additional dining times. So, please help spread the word. It means a lot to us.

Doesn't it just make you happy looking at it?!

 My favorite corner to sit in on the patio has trees covering the bistro tables and is an ideal place to just relax for hours. 

Right now, as you walk through the french doors into the actual shop, this is what you'll see...

It appears that the Bistro is indeed an analogy for my life and though things are calm, stunningly awesome and cool on the outside, there is a lot of work on the inside that needs to be done.  Thank goodness there are a lot of people who are willing to help make this dream a reality and I've been blessed to work with two outstanding chef's on this project.  

Chef Mika D.Chevalier is the head chef/food and beverage director for Stonebridge manor and Palm Street Culinary.  I have already learned that he is one of the most high-energy, fun, detail-oriented French guys I know. Actually, I don't know many French guys, but Mika keeps things interesting.  He is very quick to laugh and I imagine that there will never be a dull moment working with this guy. So far, he's lived up to my expectations.  Mika has full run of the place, and I'm thankful for his many years of experience in management and as a chef.   He is known for his meticulous attention to sanitation in the kitchen. Thank goodness! We'll get along! Mika has hired me as his "right hand gal" so we're working pretty closely on the menu and all aspects of the catered events. It's been a blast!


Truth be known,  I feel like I've found my new home. We're already a crazy zany bunch! 3 chefs who love food, are passionate about ingredients and quality, and who are cheering each other on to success. It is refreshing teamwork and I'm thrilled to be part of it!  We anticipate that the grand opening will be the first week of October  or so! Hopefully everything comes together that quickly, but it may be a bit longer.

The Bistro (not the official name..again I'll keep you posted on what it will be called) 
will be located on the East side of  Stonebridge Manor:

4000 E Palm St,
Mesa AZ 85215
(480) 641-3131
View Map

 Join me on the Chef Tess Bakeresse Facebook Page as I post updates for the menu, the name of the "Bistro",  and all the inside progress! I'd love to see you soon! Seriously. Sooooo excited!!! Onward and Upward darlings! 

Always My Very Best,
Your Friend Chef Tess