Quick Poutine with a Peppery Thyme Gravy

Sixth grade, 1982--
I have many good things to say about my middle school boyfriend, Christian DiPasquale, and when I think of our first encounter it still makes me smile:

I went to a private Catholic school and Christian was new that year, he'd come from the public school around the corner.  We'd all been together since we were 6 but he didn't know anyone so he was quiet and kept to himself. 

Sitting in groups of 4, I was put with him, Anne, and Michael.  Anne was big and loud and had a very deep voice for 12, and was bickering with Michael to the point that he'd had enough and yelled something to her...what I can only think now was meant to be a name that would hurt her feelings.  Pushed to the limit, he called her "a poutine."  I'm like whaaaaaaaaat??  I look over at Christian...not one word outta this kid for 2 weeks...til he laughed out loud, shook his head, and said "Dude, that's fries with gravy."

Right then and there, I had to know him.

He was right.  Poutine is basically fries with gravy, and melty cheese curds that add an extra layer of deliciousness.  Life has graced, and cursed, me with a little mini-me daughter and while I'm always looking for the best chili dog, she's always on the lookout for the best poutine (which we both agree lives at The Coopers Tavern in Madison, WI).  But we make this one at home, which keeps us going til we can get back there :)

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(WHAT YOU WILL NEED)

1 bag frozen French fries
your favorite gravy, packet or jar 
beef broth
1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese
salt/cracked pepper
fresh thyme

Cook fries according to package directions.  I season them with salt and pepper 10 minutes into cooking.

While they are cooking, make the gravy.  I use one packet McCormicks gravy and instead of water, I use beef broth (If you are using a jarred gravy, mix it with some beef broth, too, for more flavor).  Add salt if necessary, and cracked pepper to taste (Poutine is usually a peppery gravy). Take some thyme off their sprigs and place it in the gravy while cooking.

When the fries are ready, take them out of the oven.  Break up the ball of mozzarella into small chunks with your hands and drop onto the hot fries.  Place back into the oven for approx. 8-10 more minutes to melt the cheese slightly and make the fries extra crispy.

Take out of the oven and spoon gravy over the top.  This will melt the cheese further, add salt to taste and serve.