CARAMELIZED ONION AND POTATO GRATIN RECIPES

Steps:

• In saucepan, bring cream, garlic, peppercorns, thyme and salt to boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
• Meanwhile, in nonstick frypan, heat oil over medium low heat; cook onion, stirring often, until light brown, about 45 minutes.
• Slice potatoes as thinly as possible, use mandoline if available.
• Layer one quarter of the potatoes in greased 8 inch square glass baking or casserole dish; top with one third of the onion and one quarter of the cheese.
• Repeat twice.
• Top with remaining potatoes.
• Strain cream mixture over potatoes, shaking casserole to distribute evenly; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Bake at 300f degree oven until tender and knife inserted in bottom pierces potatoes easily, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• (Make ahead: let cool; cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in 375f degree oven for 30 minutes.).

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°. Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl.
• Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add onion, and cook, stirring often, 15 minutes or until onions are caramel colored; add garlic, and cook 1 minute.
• Stir in flour, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and next 3 ingredients. Cook, whisking often, 8 to 9 minutes or until mixture thickens. Remove from heat; whisk in cheese until melted and smooth.
• Layer half of potatoes in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish; pour 2 cups sauce over potatoes in dish. Repeat layers once.
• Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until golden brown and potatoes are fork tender, topping with breadcrumb mixture during last 15 minutes of baking. Remove from oven, and let stand 10 minutes.
• Lightened Potato-Caramelized Onion Gratin: Substitute 1% low-fat milk for whole milk, decrease butter to 1 1/2 Tbsp., and increase flour to 1/4 cup. Proceed with recipe as directed.