Gratin Of Potatoes And Porcini Mushrooms In Cream

1/2 oz Dried porcini mushrooms

-- rinsed 1/2 c Hot water

2 md Shallots

2 lb Baking potatoes

-- (preferably Idaho), -- peeled, halved lengthwise 1 1/2 tb Olive oil

2/3 c Whipping cream

2/3 c Milk

1/2 ts Salt

Freshly ground pepper 3 tb Whipping cream

Soak porcini in hot water 1-1/2 hours. Strain through paper towels; reserve liquid. Rinse porcini; squeeze dry. Discard any hard stems. Cut into strips. Preheat oven to 325 F. Generously butter 2-quart gratin dish. Mince shallots. Slice potatoes thinly. Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Add porcini and saute 1 minute. Add reserved porcini liquid, 2/3 cup cream, milk, salt and pepper and bring to simmer. Add potatoes, stirring gently to separate slices. Cook until potatoes begin to soften, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to prepared dish. Spoon remaining 3 tablespoons cream over top of potatoes. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Refrigerate.)

Bake until potatoes are tender, about 1 hour. Preheat broiler. Broil until top is browned, about 3 minutes. * Source: Bon Appetit, December 1988 * Typed for you by Karen Mintzias