Potato Gratin

From Martha Stewart - In this classic gratin, thinly sliced potatoes soak up all the goodness of a milk-and-cream mixture that has been spiked with nutmeg. A sprinkling of grated Gruyere cheese on top becomes gooey in the oven. Using a mandoline creates thin slices, which helps the gratin cook more evenly.

• Ready In: 1 hr 35 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 1 casserole

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 lbs yukon gold potatoes
• 1  garlic clove, halved
• 1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream
• 1  cup  whole milk
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  freshly grated nutmeg
•  coarse  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 3  ounces gruyere cheese, grated (1 cup)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Peel potatoes, and place in a bowl of water to prevent discoloring. Rub inside of a 9-by-12-inch oval baking dish with cut sides of garlic. Heat cream, milk, nutmeg, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat until bubbles form around edge. Season with pepper. Remove from heat.
2. Meanwhile, slice potatoes 1/8 inch thick; transfer to a bowl. Pour warm cream mixture over top. Mix well, using your hands to separate and coat potatoes, and transfer to prepared dish. Gently push potatoes down, and pour cream mixture from bowl over top. Sprinkle with Gruyere. Bake (with a baking sheet placed on the rack below to catch drips) until potatoes are fork tender and top is bubbling and brown, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.