The Joy of Cooking's Scalloped Potatoes

If you're having ham for Christmas this year like we are ('cause I'm sick of turkey) then this is an easy-to-make, good-tasting side dish to go with it.

This recipe is so easy in fact that I made it for the very first time when I was ten years old. (In case any one's wondering - that was 24 very long years ago! :)

Ingredients:

3 cups pared, thinly sliced potatoes
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons flour
3 to 6 tablespoons butter
3 pieces of cooked bacon crumbled
1 1/4 cups milk or cream
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional as in not in the actual recipe but still very tasty to add!)

Preparations:

1. Parboil the sliced potatoes with the salt for 8 minutes. Drain well.
2. Grease or line a 10 inch baking dish
3. Layer in the potatoes by sprinkling the flour and butter over them evenly. (Use the 2 tablespoons of flour and between 3-6 tablespoons of butter)
4. Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon over the potatoes.
5. In a saucepan, heat the milk, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, and the paprika.
6. Pour this mixture over the potatoes.
7. Topping with cheese is optional. The potatoes are good without too.
8. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until potatoes seem tender.