Ham and Potato Gratin

This makes a wonderful one-dish meal served with a salad. You could also omit the ham and have a great side dish. I've also taken this to potlucks and it gets rave reviews.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon butter, softened
• 1  cup  fresh breadcrumb (use fresh only)
• 3  lbs potatoes, peeled and sliced very thin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄2 lb cheddar cheese
• 2  tablespoons flour
• 2  ounces ham, diced
• 1⁄2 cup  cream
• 2  cups chicken broth
• 3  tablespoons country-style dijon mustard

Directions

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