This delicious dish is a recipe from the novel A Thousand Days in Venice written by Marlena De Blasi.

3 large leeks, dark green parts & root ends trimmed off

2 large sweet onions (Walla Walla, Vidalia, or Texas Sweet) sliced thin

2 c. mascarpone cheese (16 oz.) you can add additional grated Gruyère

1 tsp. fresh grated nutmeg

1 tsp. black pepper, freshly cracked

1 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

1/2 c. grappa or vodka or a mix of both

2/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1 T. unsalted butter

Clean and prepare leeks: split lengthwise and then cut into thin rounds. Rinse thoroughly and drain very well. For added measure place drained leeks on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry.

Placed cleaned and well drained leeks into a large bowl. Add sliced onions and combine.

In separate bowl, mix together all remaining ingredients except the Parmesan cheese and butter.

Add mascarpone mixture to onions. Mix well to evenly coat all the leeks and onions.

Place into a casserole pan coated with the 1 T. butter. (middle rack)

Sprinkle generously with the Parmesan cheese and place into a 400 degree oven.  Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbling and the top has developed a deep golden crust. Make sure not to over bake it.  We added Gruyère. It is divine!