CHEESY POTATOES AU GRATIN

CHEESY POTATOES AU GRATIN
The final hours of the Easter weekend are fast approaching.  The smell of ham and Easter lilies still permeates the house and the memories of a glorious Easter are still fresh.  Our day started very early.  Olivia and I arrived at church with our husbands at 6:30 a.m.  to put the finishing touches on the light reception held after the Easter Vigil.  The spread consisted of muffins, coffee cakes, quick breads, fruit, etc.  along with juice, lemonade and coffee.

Church was wonderful and afterward we headed home to prepare for Easter dinner.  The menu included ham, cheesy potatoes, asparagus wrapped with prosciutto,glazed carrots, apple and pear salad, deviled eggs, sourdough bread (made with Olivia's homemade sourdough starter), cheesy biscuits, lime coconut bars, and spice cake!  We enjoyed the company of wonderful guests, and ended the day thankful for all the blessings of this life. Enjoy this delicious potato recipe.  Make memories that will linger in your house long after the holiday is over.
-Nanette

P.S. We had fun making "empty tomb" centerpieces for the tables at church.  We saw the idea on Pinterest.  See a picture of one of them below.


Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin

4 Russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cups milk (I used 0%, because that's what I had on hand.)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons flour
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

1)  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2)  Spray the bottom of a glass baking dish with butter spray.
3)  Either slice or cube the potatoes.
4)  In a bowl, whisk together the butter, heavy cream, milk, sour cream, flour, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5)  Place half of the potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish.  Pour half of the milk mixture over the potatoes.
6)  Sprinkle on half of the cheese.
7)  Repeat steps five and six again.
8)  Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.  Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and bubbly.
9)  Allow to stand for a few minutes before serving.  YUM!

Happy Easter!