Pinched Potatoes au Gratin

Pinched of most unhealthy fats, these are a great wintertime side dish

Serves 4

YOU WILL NEED

• 4 medium Russet potatoes, peeled

• 1/2 cup nonfat milk

• 2 ounces Gruyère, grated

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed a bit

• pinch nutmeg

• salt and fresh ground pepper

• kitchen slicer or Mandoline to cut the potatoes paper-thin

• 8-inch skillet 

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350° or 300° convection. 

In a small saucepan, bring the milk, garlic, nutmeg and a few turns of black pepper to a simmer. Reduce heat to lowest setting - or turn it off completely -  and allow to steep for 5 minutes. 

Using slicer or Mandoline, thinly slice the potatoes Line the bottom of the skillet with a single layer of potatoes, overlapping them slightly. You won't use the entire potato in one layer; just save what's left for the next layer. Pour about a tablespoon of the steeped milk over the layer of potatoes, sprinkle a bit of salt and some fresh ground pepper on top. Top with a scant 1-2 t grated Gruyère. Repeat until you have used all the potato slices. Save the most generous sprinkling of cheese for the top layer. 

Cover the skillet with foil or a lid and place in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Remove cover and bake another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden. Allow to cool for about five minutes before serving.