Au Gratin Potatoes a la Bill Knapp - Family Recipe Friday

A number of years ago there was a small restaurant chain called Bill Knapp's.  Our family loved to eat there. They offered plain food deliciously prepared:  perfect for picky eaters. They sometimes offered a coupon special that included soup, salad, an entree with 2 sides, plus a dessert, all for the unbeatable price of about $6.00 (as recently as about 10 years ago).  We usually chose their fried chicken or fish and always a side of au gratin potatoes.  Always!  Dessert favorites were chocolate cake and apple pie.  On birthdays the waiter honored the celebrant with a double layer chocolate cake, often chilled, with a single candle in the middle, no charge.  The perfect ending. 

And then Bill Knapp's restaurants closed.  We searched for just one restaurant that was still open and found none.  We mourned.  We may even have moped a little.  We reminisced.   When discussing where to eat out, invariably one of us would say, "Too bad Bill Knapp's closed."

My younger daughter most mourned the loss of Bill Knapp's au gratin potatoes.  With hope, she searched the internet for imitation recipes and found one that is nearly identical in taste.  We've been enjoying them ever since.  (After my surgery today she blessed us with a pan of these for dinner -- good tonight, good tomorrow.)  If you remember and miss Bill Knapp's au gratin potatoes or if you love potatoes and cheese, here's the recipe.  I hope you enjoy the cheesy potato goodness as much as we do!

Bill Knapp's Au Gratin Potatoes

Cook and dice:  4# potatoes

Grate or cube:  3/4# cheddar cheese.  Set aside 1/2 cup.

Melt:  1/4 c. butter or margarine
Add:  1/4 c. flour  and stir

In large saucepan combine & bring to boil:
1 3/4 c. water
1/2 tsp. salt
Remove from heat and stir in butter/flour.  Mix.  Return to heat and bring to boil. 
Boil 3-5 minutes.  Reduce heat.

Add:  all but 1/2 c. cheddar cheese
Add & mix:  diced potatoes

Pour into 8 greased ramekins or one 9" pan, greased.
Top with remaining 1/2 c. cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
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