Potatoes Au Gratin

 3 lbs. small Russet potatoes

2 cloves garlic, peeled and cut in half

1 Tablespoon butter

2 cups milk

1 cup heavy cream

Pepper

Freshly grated nutmeg to taste

1 cup + grated Gruyere cheese

 

 

Preheat oven to 400F.

Peel the potatoes and cut them into very thin slices. As they are sliced, drop them into cold water. Drain and pat dry.  Rub a baking dish big enough to hold potatoes with the cut garlic cloves (don't throw the garlic away) and the butter. Neatly layer the pan with the potatoes.  Crush the garlic cloves slightly and put them in a saucepan. Add the milk, cream, salt and pepper, and nutmeg, and bring to a boil. Strain this mixture over the potatoes, discarding the garlic.  Sprinkle top with grated cheese. Bake on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for about 1 hour or till potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.