Scalloped Potatoes

Dinner With Julie

Ingredients

• 4-5 russet or large Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed (don't bother peeling them)
• 1 small onion
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 - 3 cups milk
• 1 tsp. fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme (optional)
• salt & pepper
• 1/2-1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Gouda, Gruyere or a combination - optional)

Directions

1. Thinly slice the potatoes and onion - use a mandolin if you have one; you want them as thin as possible.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. You should have a thick paste. Whisk in the milk (I started with the 2 1/2 cups the recipe called for, but wound up adding another splash because I thought it seemed a little thick) along with the thyme and some salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, for a minute.
3. Layer the potatoes and onion in a buttered baking dish; about a third of the potatoes, half the onions, another third of the potatoes, the rest of the onions and the rest of the potatoes. Pour sauce over top, and move a few of the potatoes around with the tip of a knife to let some of the sauce ooze between the layers.
4. Cover with foil and bake at 350F for 1 hour. Uncover, scatter with cheese if you like, and bake until lightly browned and potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes longer. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.