Bay Leaf Creams Food

EXTRA-CREAMY SCALLOPED POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush a shallow 2 1/2-quart baking dish with butter. Put the potatoes in a large pot. Whisk the cream, flour, bay leaf, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper in a bowl, then pour over the potatoes. Cook over medium heat, carefully stirring occasionally, until the cream just comes to a simmer, about 12 minutes. Continue to simmer, adjusting the heat if necessary and stirring to prevent the bottom from scorching, until the potatoes just begin to soften, about 5 more minutes.
• Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish; discard the bay leaf. Set the baking dish in a roasting pan and add enough water to come about halfway up the sides of the baking dish. Bake until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, about 1 hour. Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Put the potatoes into a large pot, add the bay leaf, 2 tablespoons salt, and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain them well and remove the bay leaf. Meanwhile, heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan. Put the potatoes through a ricer or food mill into a bowl. Add the hot cream and season with salt and pepper. Mix together with a spoon and add the chives.