Recipe(tried): Gratin of Yams, Apples and Leeks for Micha

I took this to a gourmet "pitch-in" dinner several years ago and everyone loved it - even those that usually don't care for yams.

GRATIN OF YAMS, APPLES AND LEEKS (6 servings)

1 1/2 cups whipping cream
2 large leeks (white and pale green parts only),
halved lengthwise,cut into 1/4" thick slices
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme or 2 tsp. dried
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 pound yams, peeled, cut into 1/8-inch thick slices*
1 pound Granny Smith apples, peeled, halved, cored, cut into 1/8-inch thick slices
1 cup grated white cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 deg. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish. Bring cream and leeks to boil in heavy large saucepan. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until leeks are tender, about 15 min. Add thyme, salt, pepper, allspice and nutmeg.

Arrange 1/3 of yams in botom of prepared dish. Ladle 1/3 of leek mixture over. Cover with half of apples. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup cheddar cheese. Arrange 1/3 of yams over. Cover with remaining apples. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup cheese. Arrange remaining yams over. Ladle remaining leek mixture over. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake 30 min. Uncover and bake until brown, about 45 min. Cool slightly.

*I have also used drained, canned yams with great results.