Au Gratin Potatos

Au Gratin refers to preparing food with a cheese sauce that is then baked, with or without breadcrumbs, until the top is golden brown.  The recipe below is for potatoes, but feel free to substitute pasta.  If you like crumb topped gratin,  feel free to mix 3 tablespoons of butter with 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs and spread over the top before putting in the oven.

  3 Tbl butter                                         2 Lb Red Potatoes, cooked and sliced 1/2-inch thick

  2 Tbl cake flour                                  4 Ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated

  2 Cups 1% Milk                                 4 Ounce Monterey Jack Cheese, grated

  Salt, To Taste                                                                          

  White Pepper, To Taste                                                           

                                                                                                 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease an 2 quart baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter. In saucepan, over medium heat, melt the remaining butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Whisk in the milk, a little at a time, whisking constantly.  As the liquid thickens, add more milk, until all is incorporated and thickened to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cheese until melted and remove from the heat. In a mixing bowl, pour the sauce over the sliced new potatoes and fold together.  Pour into the prepared pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake until golden brown and  bubbly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for a couple of minutes before serving.