The Fish Market Au Gratin Potatoes

I came to the Bay Area CA in 1975 and the first Fish Market was opened on El Camino Real in Palo Alto CA the next year in 1976. It was only 5 minutes from work and I started going to the Fish Market often for lunch. The second Fish Market was opened in early 80's also in my neighborhood, Santa Clara. Since then, they have expanded to the Socal area. I've always loved their seafood selection. So fresh, but I also loved few other offerings such as this Au Gratin Potatoes, coleslaw and cheezy garlic bread (I posted the recipe here on food.com). This recipe comes from their own cookbook. The alternate use of olive oil is my own method I use in making this recipe.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs russet potatoes
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter or 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 2 1⁄2 cups milk
• 4  ounces sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 -1 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
•  paprika, sprinkle

Directions

1. Wash the unpeeled potatoes, poke about 6-8 holes with a fork and bake 45 minutes in 375F oven for small to small/medium potatoes. For the bigger potatoes increase the baking time. They are done when you can easily pierce through the potato with a thin skewer.
2. Remove from oven, cool a bit and peel. Slice the peeled potatoes into about half inch slices and set aside.
3. Melt the butter or olive oil on low heat in a saucepan and stir in the flour. Cook without browning for about 7 minutes, stirring constantly. Take the pan off the heat and whisk in the milk quickly.
4. When the sauce is smooth return to the stove and cook over medium heat for about 18-20 minutes stirring until it is thicker, about the consistency of cream. Do not burn.
5. Add 80% of the cheese and stir until smooth. Add cooked potatoes, salt, and pepper and fold all together.
6. Pour into a serving casserole and sprinkle the remaining 20% of cheese over the top along with paprika.
7. Bake in 375 F oven for 30 minutes.