Scalloped Potatoes with Onions, Black Forest Ham*, and Sharp Cheddar

The ULTIMATE comfort food ('specially with a new SNOW producing storm is coming our way). This was in the MPLS Star Tribune today. As always, my revisions, changes, or comments are denoted by an asterisk*.
(serves 6-8)

2 T. unsalted butter
1 med. sweet* white* onion, thinly sliced
4 cups whole milk (or 2 c. milk and 2 cups water)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 heaping t. Dijon mustard (or dry mustard powder)
2&1/2 lbs. (about 6 med.) baking potatoes (russets*), peeled
1/2-1 lb. Black Forest Ham*, cut in small cubes* or use a ham steak*
1&1/2 cup grated Sharp Cheddar (or Gruyere*)
3/4 cup heavy cream
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
Smoked paprika*

Preheat oven to 375. Lightly grease a med. sized (1&1/2-2 qts.) gratin or baking dish. In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over med. hat. Add onions and saute until softened, about 5 mins. Add the milk (or milk and water), garlic, and Dijon, and bring to a gentle boil over med. heat. Add a generous amt. of S&P. Meanwhile, slice the potatoes to 1/8" thickness using a food processor or mandolin for even thickness. Do not rinse the potatoes. Add the potatoes to the milk and allow to simmer until the potatoes are almost tender - they should still have some resistance when poked with a paring knife - about 10 mins. Using a slotted spoon, transfer half of the potatoes and onions to the baking dish (discard the milk, or save for another culinary use). S&P generously, make a layer of the cubed ham, and top with 3/4 cup cheese. Top with remaining potato mixture, season again with S&P, and cover with remaining cheese. Pour the cream evenly over the dish, and sprinkle on smoked paprika. Bake until crisp and golden to top, 50 mins. to 1 hour. Allow to cool at least 10 mins. before serving. (Leftover make a perfect breakfast side!) I would serve with a touch of hopeful Spring green - either grilled pencil thin asparagus, or buttered petite peas.*

"Family Pie"
1 handful forgiveness
1 heaping cupful of love
1 full pound of unselfishness
Mix together smoothly with complete faith. Add two T. of wisdom, one t. of good nature for flavor; then sprinkle generously with thoughtfulness.This makes a wonderful family pie. The complete pie will serve any size family. ~ Ruth Howard

Editor's note: Sorry I have not been able to get to this site for a few days. I have missed you!! Blame it on the snow.

Have FUN and Laugh Out Loud today!!

Love,

MM