Ham & Potato Gratin

Ingredients

• 1 TB softened butter
• 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 3 lb. potatoes peeled and sliced very thin
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 lb. cheddar cheese
• 2 TB flour
• 2 ounces ham diced
• 1/2 cup cream
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 TB mustard (country style Dijon)

Instructions

1. 1
   Mix the thyme, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Grate the cheddar cheese and mix lightly with the flour. In another bowl, mix the cream, broth and mustard.
2. 2
   Cover the bottom of a buttered backing dish with a layer of potatoes. Sprinkle 1/3 of the spices, ham and cheese. Put down another layer of potatoes, then another third of the spices, ham and cheese. One final layer of potatoes, spices, cheese and ham.
3. 3
   Pour in the liquid and bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
4. 4
   Meanwhile, brown the bread crumbs lightly in a skillet with the butter. Sprinkle them over the potatoes and bake another 45 minutes. Let the dish stand for 5 or 10 minutes before serving.