Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and sliced paper thin
• 2 ½ cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 5 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325 degrees with a rack set in the lower third of oven. Combine sliced potatoes and milk in a large saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil and immediately reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 3 minutes.
2. 2
   Place a colander over a large bowl and drain potatoes, reserving milk. Add heavy cream to milk and stir to combine.
3. 3
   Rub a 2 ½ -quart oval baking dish with garlic and 1 tablespoon butter. Arrange sliced potatoes, sprinkling cheese between the layers, in the baking dish; season with salt and pepper. Dot with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and pour reserved cooking milk and cream mixture over.
4. 4
   Transfer baking dish to oven and bake until cheese becomes deep golden brown and milk has reduced and thickened, 80 to 90 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.