Mary Berrys Cheese Topped Dauphinois Potatoes Recipes

Steps:

• Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5.
• Tip 500ml double cream, 500ml milk and 3 garlic cloves into a large saucepan and bring to a simmer.
• Slice 8 large potatoes very finely, about 3-4mm, add them to the cream and simmer for 3 mins until just cooked.
• Gently stir to separate the potato and stop it sinking and catching on the bottom of the pan.
• Remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon and place in a wide shallow ovenproof dish so that they are about 5cm in depth.
• Pour over the garlic infused cream (discarding the garlic) - just enough to seep through the layers and leave a little moisture on the surface.
• Scatter over 100g grated gruyère cheese, if using, then bake for 30 mins until the potatoes are soft and browned - increase the heat for 5 mins if not brown enough.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Brush the oil over the bottom and sides of a 25 x 19 x 5cm ovenproof dish. Put the milk, garlic, 4 thyme sprigs, bay leaf and shallot into a saucepan. Bring just to the boil, then remove from the heat and add the nutmeg and a little pepper. Set aside to infuse.
• Peel then slice the potatoes very thinly. Pat them dry. Layer half the slices in the dish, overlapping slightly, then season.
• Strain the infused milk into a jug. Put the crème fraîche into a bowl, then gradually pour in the milk, whisking until smooth. Add the stock and thyme leaves. Return this liquid to the jug, then pour half of it over the potatoes in the dish. Layer up the rest of the potatoes, then add remaining liquid, the cheese and a grind of pepper. Sit the dish on a baking sheet and bake for 1¼-1½ hrs until golden and tender - test by inserting a sharp knife through the potatoes. Stand for 5 mins before serving, sprinkled with thyme sprigs.