Review: Turnip-potato gratin

Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Servings: 12

Note: Adapted from Craig Strong, chef de cuisine at the Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa.

3 cups heavy cream

2 whole star anise

2 pounds turnips

4 pounds potatoes

1 teaspoon salt, divided

1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small sauce pan, bring the cream and star anise to a boil, then remove from heat. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

2. While the cream cools, peel the turnips and potatoes and cut each crosswise into slices one-eighth inch thick. Place the sliced turnips and potatoes in separate bowls. Strain and discard the star anise from the cream. Divide the cream evenly, pouring it over the turnips and potatoes, tossing to coat.

3. Butter or grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Arrange one layer of the potatoes in the bottom of the dish, overlapping them slightly (you might not use all of the potatoes; reserve any extra for an additional layer). Season with one-half teaspoon salt and one-eighth teaspoon pepper. Repeat with a layer of turnips and season with the remaining salt and pepper. Continue with an additional layer of potatoes if any are left, but do not season.

4. Pour the cream from the bowls over the vegetables and cover the dish with foil. Bake, covered, for 45 minutes.

5. Remove the foil cover and continue baking until the top layer of vegetables is browned, 15 to 25 minutes. Remove and cool slightly before serving.

Each serving: 331 calories; 4 grams protein; 31 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams fiber; 22 grams fat; 14 grams saturated fat; 82 mg. cholesterol; 263 mg. sodium.