Gratin Dauphinois

• This scalloped potato dish is part of our culinary repertoire, and we hope it will become part of yours too. There is something about the texture of the potatoes surrounded by creamy goodness and topped by golden brown cheese that wows people. It is perfect for a buffet supper or potluck; in our experience, it is the first thing to disappear. The technique of starting the potatoes in a saucepan of half-and-half and ending them in a buttered gratin dish comes from the masterful Jacques Pepin.
• 2 1/2 lbs boiling potatoes, such as Yukon Gold
• 3 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 3/4 cup coarsely grated Gruyere
• SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: a mandoline or other adjustable-blade slicer, such as a Japanese Benriner

1. Put a rack in middle of oven and preheat oven to 400u0b0F. Generously butter a 2 1/2- to 3-quart gratin dish or other shallow baking dish.
2. Peel potatoes. Cut crosswise into 1/16-inch-thick slices with slicer and transfer to a 4-quart heavy saucepan. Add half-and-half, garlic, salt, and pepper and bring just to a boil over moderate heat.
3. Pour potato mixture into buttered dish, distributing potatoes evenly. Sprinkle nutmeg and cheese evenly over top. Bake until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown, 35 to 45 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
4. COOKS' NOTE: The gratin can be made up to 1 day ahead. Cool completely, then refrigerate, covered. Bring to room temperature before reheating, covered, in a 350u0b0F oven.

culinary, boiling potatoes, garlic, salt, freshly ground black pepper, nutmeg, gruyuere, special

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/gratin-dauphinois-50175666 (may not work)