Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, smashed
3 T unsalted butter
3 pounds waxy potatoes (such as Yukon gold or Yellow Finn), peeled
3 cups half-and-half
1/2 cup creme fraiche or sour cream
2 T all purpose flour
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup chopped chives

Preparing the scalloped potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Rub the garlic all over the inside of a 3-quart baking dish, then mince it. Grease the dish with about 1/2 tablespoon butter.

Slice the potatoes about 1/8 inch thick (a mandoline works well). Combine in a large saucepan with the minced garlic, the remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons butter, the half-and-half, creme fraiche, flour, thyme, mace, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the chives and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, shaking it to distribute the potatoes evenly. Bake, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 1 hour 5 minutes, occasionally spooning some of the liquid over the top. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

These poatoes can also be prepared in individual ramekins; bake about 40 minutes.

Serves 8