Pommes Gruyère

prep time:: 45 min
total time:: 1 hr and 45 minutes

Makes 10-12 servings

The Gruyère cheese, onions and bacon make this an exceptional dish. It is the recipe my 24 yr old daughter requests for special occasions including for special friends.

ingredients

4-5 Medium Russet Potatoes, sliced 1/8" thick
1 cup thinly sliced onion
1 cup finely chopped celery
10 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
3/4 stick butter
1 Tablespoon flour
1/3 cup milk
2/3 cup heavy cream or half-n-half

directions

Soak potatoes in ice water 1/2 to 1 hour. Drain well and pat dry. This process is the secret to making potatoes crisp. Grease a deep 9x13x3 casserole and line with 1/3 of the potatoes. Top with 1/3 of the onions, celery, cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Make 2 more layers, ending with cheese on top. Sprinkle with bacon. In a saucepan, melt butter, and stir in flour. Gradually add milk and cream, stirring constantly. Pour over potatoes, cover, and bake at 400° for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°. Uncover and bake 25-30 minutes. Cover casserole during final minutes of baking if it begins to get too brown.

Source: Linda's Mother