Scalloped Yukon Gold Sweet Potato Gratin With Fresh Herbs Recipe 445

Steps:

• Fill large bowl with cold water. Working with 1 Yukon Gold potato at a time, peel*, then cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds** and place in bowl with water. Repeat with sweet potatoes. Combine cream, butter, and garlic in medium saucepan; bring to simmer. Remove from heat. Mix all herbs in small bowl. Note: Do not use dried herbs; it wouldn't be the same. Fresh herbs makes all the difference. Mix sea salt and black pepper in another small bowl. Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Drain potatoes, then pat dry with kitchen towels. Transfer half of potatoes to prepared baking dish. Use hands to distribute and spread evenly. Sprinkle with half of salt-pepper mixture, then half of herb mixture. Sprinkle with half of cheese. Repeat with remaining potatoes, salt-pepper mixture, herb mixture, and cheese. Pour cream mixture over gratin, pressing lightly to submerge potato mixture as much as possible. Do ahead: Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and chill.Remove plastic wrap before baking. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover gratin tightly with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until top of gratin is golden and most of liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes longer. Note: I found that there was a lot of oil that had bubbled to the surface (from the cheese, perhaps). Carefully, I tilted the dish and drained off the oil/fat. This dish was perfect. Let stand 10 minutes; serve. My personal notes: *I did not peel my Yukon Gold potatoes, and they were delicious just the same. **I also used a mandolin to slice my potatoes evenly and thinly. I also found that the baking time, for this dish, took closer to 90 minutes. Next time, I might reduce the amount of liquid.

Steps:

• Place rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F.
• Generously butter a 2 1/2- to 3-quart gratin dish or other shallow baking dish.
• Make a bouquet garni by wrapping thyme, peppercorns, and bay leaf in 6-inch square of cheese cloth and securing with kitchen string.
• In heavy, 6-quart saucepan, combine potatoes, bouquet garni, salt, garlic cloves, and cream. Set over moderate heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes can just be pierced with a fork, about 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, remove bouquet garni and garlic and discard. Stir in horseradish.
• Spread potato mixture in buttered dish and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until top is golden brown and potatoes are tender, about 30 to 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.