Au Gratin Potatoes

Heart attack waiting to happen, but the most delicious Au Gratin potatoes you will ever eat.  I have to be honest, this is a more recent favorite because growing up, I must've had a bad experience with the boxed kind and couldn't bring myself to eating them again!  NOT ANYMORE!  A dear friend of mine served these at a St Patricks'/birthday celebration and they've been a favorite ever since!  These are so amazing!  The key is cooking them long enough! 

6-8 RED potatoes, sliced thinly
1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (key ingredient!)
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 stick butter
salt
3 c Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 c ham, ground

Peel and slice red potatoes. Cut the butter into thin slices and place randomly in and out of the potatoes.  Salt them well.  Cover the potatoes then with the liquids, cream and chicken broth and bake COVERED at 425 for 35 minutes.  Top with shredded cheddar cheese and ground ham and bake UNCOVERED for an additional 25 minutes. 

These go nice served with any beef or chicken meal.