Scalloped Potatoes

My daughter Abbi and I were recently looking through the freezer trying to figure out meals for the week. I listed off all the proteins that I had in there. It quickly donned on me that as recent as 5 years ago some of what I listed would have NEVER been in my house let alone in my freezer waiting for me to cook. Lamb chops – they are for the guys. Salmon I really want to like it, it just hasn’t happened yet. Some Bangers from a local pig farm that just need a little mash to go along the side, and even some pork belly just screaming at me to make pork belly steamed buns.

There are also some things that used to be in my cupboard that I haven’t purchased in many years. I love scalloped potatoes and since my husband thinks he is a potato farmer we have a lot of potatoes on hand. Thankfully when stored properly his harvest lasts many months and we don’t have to eat them every day.

While there are many ways to prepare potatoes I feel we sometimes get into a little potato rut on occasion, one of my daughters favorite comfort food is mashed potato and when she arrived home recently from her 2 year stint in Japan she wanted mashed potatoes with every meal and I am pretty sure we had them 3 or 4 times in the first week she was home. I do know that scalloped can take a little more effort than mashed, there cheesy goodness cannot be denied. If you are looking for something a little different tonight I don’t think you will be disappointed and will find it pretty easy to make. And if there are any leftovers, they are amazing!

cannoli dip 006 — A mandolin does help but not necessary

4 cups thinly sliced potatoes

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 cups milk

1 teaspoon salt

1 dash cayenne pepper

1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated cheese

In a small sauce pan, melt butter and whisk in the flour. Let it bubble for a couple of minutes to cook out the flour taste. Add all of cold milk at once stirring with a whisk; season with salt and cayenne. Cook sauce on low until smooth and boiling, stirring occasionally with a whisk and it thickens a bit. Reduce heat and stir in cheese.