Potatoes gratin are a near fool-proof, sublime indulgence. And let’s be clear, they are an indulgence, but worth every mouthful for that special occasion meal.
Heat oven to 350. Butter a disposable 13 x 9 x 2″ foil pan.
Using a mandolin, slice your potatoes into 1/8 inch slices. Pick out one third of the most uniform slices and reserve for the top layer.
Arrange one third of the slices in an overlapping arrangement on the bottom of the pan until the entire pan is covered. Season heavily with herbs, salt and pepper. Sprinkle with one third of the cheese. Repeat until you have three layers, taking care that your last layer uses the most uniform slices. This is for appearance only. It will taste great if you use irregular slices. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the third layer.
Pour the cream and milk carefully over the layered potatoes and cheese. Bake for half an hour. Remove from the oven and press down gently on potatoes with a spatula to submerge any potatoes that are not in the cream. Return to oven and bake another 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand at least 10 minutes. Cover with foil if you will not be serving right away.