Ingredients
- 2 large garlic cloves, 1 halved and 1 minced
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground pepper
- 2 pinches freshly grated nutmeg
- 4 russet potatoes, about 2 lb. total, scrubbed and patted dry
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub the inside of 2 small oval bakers with the cut side of the garlic halves and discard the halves. Coat the inside of each baker with 1½ tsp of the butter.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the remaining 2 Tbsp butter.
- Peel the potatoes and cut into slices ¼ inch thick. Add the potato slices to the milk mixture to prevent discoloration.
- Bring the milk mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for 3 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to the prepared pans, arranging the top layer in an overlapping pattern. Pour the milk mixture over the potatoes, dividing evenly between the pans.
- Cover each pan with a piece of buttered aluminum foil, buttered side down. Set the pans on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until the potatoes are tender, the liquid bubbles thickly, and the top is browned and crusty, about 20 minutes more.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Source: Adapted from the Williams-Sonoma Collection Series, Potato, by Selma Brown Morrow.