Recipe(tried): Dual Potato Gratin

I have been debating where to post this recipe, but it
definitely needs posting. It could be used for dinner, or a
dinner party, but it is great. Although it calls for individual
ramekins or au gratin dishes, I have also made it in a large
casserole when I have doubled the recipe. It always gets rave
reviews. Another great from Southern Living.

Dual Potato Gratin

Garlic mashed potatoes* (recipe to follow)
3 T butter or margarine
3 large baking potatoes, peeled & cut into 1/8 in slices
Butter flavored cooking spray
2 T grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish: fresh chives

Spoon garlic mashed potatoes evenly into 4 lightly greased
4 in. gratin dishes, reserving 3/4 C mashed potatoes, set aside.

Melt butter in a large saucepan; add half of sliced potatoes in
a single layer, & cook 2 min. on each side or until tender.
Drain on paper towels. Repeat procedure w/remaining sliced
potatoes.

Layer potato slices (slightly overlapping) around outside edges
of the mashed potatoes forming circles. (Actually, they are
layered on top of the mashed potatoes, circling the edges of the
gratin dish or the casserole dish. If you use a larger casserole
-you may make a another layer or two next to the original outside
layer). Pipe reserved mashed potatoes in center of each dish, or
roll mixture into balls, placing in center. (Using the larger
pan, just make a proportionately sized grouping of the reserved
mashed potatoes in the center of the pan) Coat gratins w/cooking
spray & sprinkle evenly w/Parmesan cheese. Bake @ 400 deg. for
10 min. or until evenly browned. Garnish the gratin version w/
fresh chive stems coming out of the center ball of reserved
mashed potatoes. Yield: 4 servings

*3 C regular mashed potatoes may be substituted.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

3 large baking potatoes
1 tsp vegetable oil
2 T butter or margarine
1/4 C sour cream
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Scrub potatoes, & rub evenly w/vegetable oil. Bake @ 400 deg.
for 1 hr or until done. Cut potatoes in half, scoop out the
pulp, discarding skin. Combine the potato pulp, butter & the
remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl & beat @ medium speed
w/an electric mixer until fluffy. Yield: 3 cups.

I know this recipe appears to be somewhat daunting in its
preparation, but it really isn't & once you try it, you
will realize how uncomplicated it is. Please let me know
if you liked it. Enjoy!