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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Place a half of the sliced potatoes in a lightly greased one quart casserole dish. Pour half of cheese sauce over potatoes.

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Repeat with second layer of potatoes and cheese sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Bake uncovered for an hour at 350°F

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