Football Friday: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

It's playoff season! Is there a more exciting thing to celebrate in all of January? Nope, we don't think so either. A lot of people are still barbecuing, or making burgers on their grills. Sadly, Wisconsin has seen it's first major snowfall and serious cold freeze; so most of our cooking is done indoors these days. But, if you're still grilling or tailgating, we have an awesome side dish for you!

We made a batch of cheesy scalloped potatoes for our New Years Eve celebration; and they were crazy delicious. They make the boxed scalloped potatoes with the powdered cheese look as appetizing as Jay Cutler (ie: not at all). Oh, did we mention you can also make them in your crock pot? You're welcome. 

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Recipe courtesy of: http://chickensintheroad.com/farm-bell-recipes/slow-cooker-potatoes-au-gratin/

6 medium potatoes (I used Yukon Gold)
8 oz cheese, shredded (we used cheddar)
3 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
chopped garlic (optional)
salt 

1. Wash, peel, and slice your potatoes. You want them about a medium thickness.
2. Grease your slow cooker thoroughly with non-stick spray.
3. Add one layer of potatoes and salt them. You can use regular table salt, Kosher salt, or even garlic salt, but do not skimp on the salt or your potatoes will be bland.

4. Continue layering and salting until you have used all the potato slices.
5. When all the potatoes are in the pot, melt the 3 Tbsp of butter in a large saucepan.
6. Add the flour and whisk.
7. Cook over medium heat until mixture starts to bubble up, then cook for 2 minutes whisking constantly.
8. Slowly pour in the milk and whisk until thickened. (Add 2 Tbsp chopped garlic now if you like. It’s good!!)
9. Add the cheese and stir until melted.

10. Pour over the top of the potatoes. Don’t stir the potatoes, but give them a jiggle to get some of the sauce down into the bottom of the pot.
11. Place 2 paper towels across the top of the slow cooker and put on the top.
12. Turn the pot on high and leave it for an hour. You can leave it on high for two more hours or turn it to low for 3-4 hours.

Sorry we didn't take more pictures. We were pretty excited to dig into our New Years Eve feast. That's our New Years Eve resolution: take more food pictures for our loyal readers! 

At this point, we'd normally give you our football predictions; but Dad #2 has conceded to Dad #1. Congrats Kevin, you are our Cool Dads Football champ for the 2014-2015 season! Here's to the play offs!

Stay Cool,

The Cool Dads Crew