Active Time

　　20 min

　　Total Time

　　1 1/2 hr

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 to 6 side-dish servings

　　1 1/2 teaspoons juniper berries*

　　1 cup heavy cream

　　3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

　　1 1/4 teaspoons salt

　　3/4 teaspoon black pepper

　　2 lb russet (baking) potatoes (about 4)

　　

Special Equipment

an electric coffee/spice grinder; an adjustable-blade slicer; a 2-qt flameproof shallow baking dish

　　

Step 1

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F.

　　

Step 2

Finely grind juniper berries in grinder.

　　

Step 3

Whisk together cream, butter, 1 1/4 teaspoons ground juniper (discard remainder), salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined. Peel potatoes and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Fold potato slices into cream mixture and transfer to baking dish, spreading evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake until potatoes are very tender, 50 minutes to 1 hour.

　　

Step 4

Preheat broiler.

　　

Step 5

Remove foil and broil potatoes 2 to 3 inches from heat until golden, about 6 minutes.

　　

Step 6

Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

　　

Step 7

*Available in the spice section of some supermakets.