DELMONICO POTATOES

So many good foods were introduced to us in the early 1900s. One of the best examples is Delmonico Potatoes. This dish, said to have been created at Delmonico's restaurant in NYC, is known today as Au Gratin Potatoes.

1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp white pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar or American cheese
2 cups cold boiled potatoes, cubed

Melt 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in bread crumbs until coated. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour, whisking until bubbly. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Add salt, pepper, and cheese. Remove from heat and stir until cheese is melted. Fold in potatoes thoroughly.

Transfer to a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top. Bake in a 400 degree oven about 20 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and lightly browned. Makes about 4 servings.

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