Comforting Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes,
layered with Cheese and Salami



3 1/2 lbs russet potatoes
2 heads garlic
1 onion, sliced in half, cut side down
2 c. heavy cream
2 eggs
Salt, pepper, nutmeg to taste
1/4 lb provelone or mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 lb thin-sliced Italian salami, cut in 1 inch pieces (try Genoa, Mortadella, or Soprassata)
1/2 c. breadcrumbs
1/2-1 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350. Slice 1/3 off the top of the garlic heads, brush with olive oil and wrap each head individually in foil. Butter and bread-crumb 2 qt. casserole dish with high sides (6 inches or higher). Pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife tip and place on a baking sheet along with the garlic and onion. Bake for one hour, or until potatoes are soft. Mash potatoes in a large bowl or use a standing mixer.
2. Add squeezed-out garlic and onion and mix till fairly smooth. Add cream, eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Grate the Parmesan, shred other cheeses.
3. Spoon about 2/3 of the potatoes into the prepared casserole dish, pressing potato mixture up sides. Layer salami, soft cheeses, half the Parmesan and half the breadcrumbs on top of the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Top with remaining potato mix, sprinkle with rest of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake on cookie sheet one and a half hours. Let cool a bit before spooning out.

Yield: 6 servings

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