Fennel-And-Potato Gratin

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 shallot, sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
• 1/2 (10-oz.) block sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large baking potatoes (about 2 lb.), peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• Garnish: rosemary sprigs

1. Preheat oven to 400u0b0. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot; saute 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, and saute 1 minute.
2. Whisk in flour; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in half-and-half; cook, whisking constantly, 3 to 4 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat. Whisk in cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in salt and next 2 ingredients.
3. Layer potato and fennel slices alternately in a lightly greased, broiler-safe ceramic 2-qt. casserole dish. Spread cheese sauce over layers. Cover with aluminum foil.
4. Bake at 400u0b0 for 50 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove from oven. Increase oven temperature to broil with oven rack 5 inches from heat. Uncover dish, and broil 2 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Garnish, if desired.

butter, shallot, garlic, flour, cheddar cheese, salt, freshly ground pepper, ground nutmeg, baking potatoes, fennel bulb, rosemary sprigs

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/fennel-potato-gratin (may not work)