Based on the recipe, here are the assumptions for Difficulty (easy, moderate, or advanced), Prep Time, and Cooking Time:

– Difficulty: Moderate
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Now, let’s update the table:

Ingredients:

– 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 200g (7oz) Camembert cheese, rind removed and cubed
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.

2. Begin by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the minced garlic, thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper over the potatoes.

3. Next, place half of the Camembert cheese cubes evenly over the potato layer.

4. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potato slices, garlic, thyme leaves, salt, pepper, and Camembert cheese.

5. Now it’s time to add the crowning glory – the cream! Pour the heavy cream evenly over the layers.

6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes.

7. After the initial bake, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

8. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

9. Sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves over the top as a garnish and serve your Potato Gratin with Camembert while it’s still piping hot.

Tips and Variations:

– For an added burst of flavor, you can experiment by adding a layer of caramelized onions between the potato layers.
– Don’t limit yourself to just thyme! Other herbs like rosemary or sage make wonderful additions to this dish.
– If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to substitute it for the Camembert. Emmental, Gruyère, or cheddar are all delicious choices.
– To achieve crispy golden edges, broil the gratin for a few minutes at the end of the baking time.

Conclusion:

As I bid farewell to my cozy cottage in the French countryside, the memories of the Potato Gratin with Camembert continue to linger. This dish, with its creamy and flavorful union of potatoes and cheese, is not only an homage to French culinary traditions but also an invitation to create new memories in your own home. So gather your loved ones, share the enchantment, and savor every bite of this cheesy delight. Bon appétit!