Mona’s Au Gratin Potatoes

My friend, Mona and I met each other in Bonny Doon in the early part of 2000.  She and I were in a quilting group called the Bonny Stitchers.  You can see some of our quilts on Instagram at @bonnystitchers.   She made this recipe for one of the holidays.  Her family raved about it, so I asked her to share it with me. 

• 2 1/2 pounds potatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons white flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup Gruyère, shredded
• 1/2 cup blue cheese (or Gorgonzola) - optional
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.  Sauté garlic in butter.  Stir in flour and cook two minutes.

Whisk cream into garlic flour to make a roux and continue to stir until smooth and thick.   Remove from heat.  Stir in cheese.

Arrange sliced potatoes in a 9”x13” baking dish.  Pour cheese sauce over the top.  Cover dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.  Remove foil.  Bake an additional 15 minutes until brown and potatoes are done (a fork can easily pass through them).