Ron’s Scalloped Potatoes

The single sexiest thing a man can do is learn to cook. If you don’t believe me, read the story of poor, lonely Kenneth, rescued by love only when he learned to cook (see my Aug. 10, 2011 blog titled Kenneth’s Slam-Bam-Thank-You-Ma’am Blackberry Pie).

Believe me when I say that Ron is a very sexy man. He doesn't just cook ... he sizzles (That should be good for another week’s dinners cooked by Himself)!

The day Ron prepared much of our Early Christmas Dinner, I suggested that a potato casserole would complement our ham to perfection. He agreed. This was the result.

Between the two of them, they licked the platter clean!

Ron’s Scalloped Potatoes:

4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 5 c.)

3 tbsp. (45 mL) butter

3 tbsp. (45 mL) flour

½ tsp. (2.5 mL) salt

Coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

¼ tsp. (1.25 mL) cayenne pepper

1-½ c. (375 mL) milk (Ron used skim)

1-½ c. (375 mL) grated aged cheddar, divided

1 medium onion, sliced paper-thin

Additional butter, as needed

3-to-4 tbsp. (45-to-60 mL) heavy cream

Paprika, as garnish

Preheat oven to 325 deg. F. Grease a 1-½ qt. (1.5 L) heat-proof casserole dish (Ron used a 10-½-in. (27 cm diameter) circular dish. 

Place potato slices in cold water to keep from browning. Set aside. Melt butter over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Whisk in flour, salt, and peppers, stirring until melted. Continuing to whisk, slowly add milk, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat, stirring in 1 c. (250 mL) grated cheese until completely melted.

Drain potatoes, quickly blotting dry. Layer half of potatoes and all of onion into casserole dish. Pour half cheese sauce over potatoes. Dab with butter. Repeat with remaining potatoes, cheese sauce, and dabs of butter. Top with remaining ½ c. (125 mL) grated cheese. Spoon heavy cream around edge of dish. 

Garnish with a few shakes of paprika. Bake, uncovered, 60-to-70 min., or until golden brown. Keep an eye on these potatoes:  A wide, thin baking dish such as this will cook them faster than a deep dish.