The First Flame

This potato bake recipe is the foundational heart of Hestia and the primary inspiration behind this digital sanctuary. 

Following the passing of the grandmother of Theophora's founder, a digital archive was born from a deeply personal need to preserve her culinary legacy and share her fabulous potato bake without the burden of hand-writing endless copies.

What began as a tribute to her kitchen is evolving into a living archive of family heritage and domestic rituals, shared slowly from our kitchen to yours. By documenting these recipes, we ensure that the presence of those who came before us remains a permanent part of the home, honouring the dignity of the task, and the stories woven into every meal.

We invite you to contribute to this growing sanctuary by submitting your own cherished family recipes to Hestia, helping us to preserve the diverse flavours and domestic traditions of our collective homes.

Method

1. Pre-heat your oven to 180°C. Prepare an oven-proof dish by lining it with baking paper to prevent the potatoes from sticking.

2. Place the 4 large peeled and diced potatoes into a pot of water. Bring them to a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are tender and yielding.

3. While the potatoes are boiling, whisk together the 1 packet of French Onion soup mix and the thickened cream.

4. Stir the 1/4 cup of grated tasty cheese into the cream mixture until it forms a thick, fragrant ribbon of flavour.

5. Strain the water from the cooked potatoes and transfer them into the prepared oven-proof dish.

6. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes, giving them a gentle stir to ensure every piece is enveloped and the cheese is evenly distributed.

7. Sprinkle additional grated cheese across the surface like a veil.

8. Place the dish into the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the surface has turned a deep, inviting gold.

Ritual of Presence

• Tactile Grounding: Before you begin, hold the potatoes in your hands to feel their weight and the coolness of the earth still clinging to their skins.

• Auditory Focus: As you dice the potatoes, focus your attention on the rhythmic sound of the blade meeting the board.

• Breath and Stillness: When the steam begins to rise from the pot, close your eyes and take three deep breaths.

• Aromatic Anchoring: Once cooked, inhale the savoury saltiness of the onion and the richness of the cream. Let this scent anchor you to the present moment, acknowledging the transition from a busy day to the stillness of the evening meal.