A warming gratin for a cold day » Bucks County Taste

Ingredients

• 1 TBSP olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced (about two TBSP)
• ½ lb. crimini mushrooms, trimmed, washed and sliced
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
• 2 ½ lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and thinly sliced (skin on)
• 2 cups half-and-half or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated nutmeg to taste
• 2 cups grated cheese such as Emmentaler, Gruyere, Parmesan