courtesy Moosewood Restaurant New Classics
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon unbleached white flour
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pinch of ground cloves
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples, such as Mutsu
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cups grated Cheddar or Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil an 11×7” baking dish. In small pot, scald milk, bringing it almost but not quite to a boil. In another pot, melt butter and whisk in the flour. Slowly add scalded milk, whisking continuously until sauce starts to thicken. Add the nutmeg, salt, and cloves and stir for 1 minute or until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
Spread apples and onions evenly in prepared baking dish. Sprinkle on grated cheese and pour sauce over top. Scatter walnuts and bread crumbs(for slightly sweeter gratin, mix 2 in tablespoons brown sugar).
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until top is golden and crisp. Serves 4-6.