Getting chilly!

So, the weather around here has definitely cooled off this week. That always makes me want to turn on the oven and make something really comforting. This most certainly fit into that requirement.  This recipe is modified slightly from one in the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. No matter what recipe I try from that book, it always turns out well. Glad to have that one in my library. 

Scalloped Potatoes

• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter (plus more for baking pan)
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 6 medium potatoes(about 2 pounds), thinly sliced
• 1 cup diced ham

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Melt butter in saute pan. Add onions and garlic. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Meanwhile, butter inside of 9 x 13" baking pan. Layer sliced potatoes in bottom of pan. Sprinkle diced ham over potatoes.  After onions have cooked, whisk in flour. Cook for another minute to ensure that you don't have that "raw flour" taste. Whisk in milk quickly to ensure that there are no lumps. Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, about another 5 minutes or so. This step prevents milk from curdling while in the oven.  Salt and pepper to taste.  I didn't add any salt to mine as I knew our piece of ham was pretty salty on its own.  Pour sauce over layered potatoes and ham, spread evenly. 

 Cover tightly with foil and place in oven. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and top is lightly browned. Allow to cool 15 minutes before serving.  

 This picture was taken after we had removed the girls' servings to allow them to cool, but you can still get the idea as to how the top should look. We served this with steamed peas and toasted french bread. It's also great with a green salad!