Yield: 4 servings
Measure | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 large | Garlic clove(s) peeled and smashed |
1 tablespoon | Butter |
2¼ cup | Half-and-half |
1¼ teaspoon | Salt |
⅛ teaspoon | Pepper |
1 pinch | Grated nutmeg |
1 pinch | Cayenne pepper (opt) |
2 pounds | Potatoes, peeled sliced 1/8\" thick |
1. Adjust oven rack to center position and heat oven to 350øF. Rub bottom and sides of 5-6-cup gratin dish or shallow baking dish with garlic. Mince remaining garlic and set aside. Once garlic in dish has dried, about 2 minutes, spread dish with half the butter.
2. Bring half-and-half, salt and pepper, nutmeg, cayenne, potatoes, and reserved garlic to boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally with wooden spoon (liquid will just barely cover potatoes). Reduce heat and simmer until liquid thickens, about 2 minutes.
3. Pout potato mixture into prepared dish; shake dish to distribute potatoes evenly. Gently press down potatoes until submerged in liquid; dot with remaining butter.
4. Bake until top is golden brown, basting once or twice during first 45 minutes, for about 1¬ hours. Let rest 5 minutes and serve.
: Variation for Potato Gratin with Broth and Parmesan ~ Increase oven temperature to 375øF.
~ Increase garlic to 2 large cloves.
~ Substitute equal amount chick stock or canned broth for half-and-half. ~ Decrease salt to 1 tsp if using unsalted homemade stock. : or « tsp if using canned broth.
~ Substitute 1 bay leaf for nutmeg.
~ Sprinkle ¬ cup grated Parmesan on gratin after 45 minutes of baking.
Cook's Illustrated
Dec 1995
Submitted By DIANE LAZARUS On 11-05-95