Cheesy Potatoes and Leeks Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 3 cups whipping cream
• 6 large Idaho or russet baking potatoes (about 3 lb)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 medium leek, rinsed, cut lengthwise in half and thinly sliced (2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (6 oz)