Scalloped Potatoes

This is one of my absolute favorite meals to make.  Not only is it delicious, but I also think it is fun to put together.

I don't actually have a formal recipe.  I learned to make this while watching my sister put it together and then I added my own modifications to it.  So, hopefully this will be understandable.  If you have any questions, though, feel free to ask!

First, start with some potatoes: washed and peeled.

 The amount you use will depend on how much you want to make.  I like to fill a 13 x 9 inch pan because I like to have leftovers.  This would feed my family of four (2 adults and 2 small kids) for a couple of meals at least.  I estimated about 2 potatoes per person, but, for some odd reason, I only took a picture of 7 potatoes.  Hmmm...

Moving on.  Dice the potatoes up really small.  I cut the potato in half then cut each half in half again lengthwise and again widthwise before chopping them up. 

 The smaller your potato pieces are, the less time it will take to cook.  I like to get to the food as quickly as possible, you know.

Put your chopped up potatoes in a greased 13 x 9 inch casserole dish.

Next, add half an onion, diced up.  The size of your dices depends on how strong you want the onion flavor.  I like it fairly strong.

 Throw the onions in with the potatoes and stir them up. 

 Try not to get too enthusiastic with the stirring, though.  Those potatoes will fly out of there pretty easily. 

Now is a good time to add some seasoning.  I stick with seasoned salt, but I'm sure garlic powder would be good too.  Whatever you like.

 Here comes the meat.  I use some form of sausage; it kind of varies depending on what I have or what I am in the mood for.  I got these beauties on sale.

 I cut these up small too so that they will crisp up a little while they are baking.  Cut each link in half lengthwise, cut that half again lengthwise and then slice and add to the pan and stir it up.

 O loves the sausage too.  She kept swiping pieces while I as trying to take pictures!

Now add some flour, enough to cover the potatoes.  This is probably about 1/4 cup.

Here is a secret ingredient:

 Add some ranch dressing mix (isn't it awesome that it comes in big bottles now?) on top of the flour...again, how much you add depends on your taste.  I like a pretty good amount.

Now, stir it all up again to get everything pretty well coated with the flour.  Pour 1/2 to 3/4 cup of milk over the top of the potato mixture, making sure it covers the whole pan.  The milk mixed with the flour makes a beautiful and tasty sauce. 

Now put little pats of butter or margarine over the top of the pan (evenly spaced of course). 

 Top it all off with a generous amount of shredded cheese.  Mmmmmmmm

 Cover it with foil (so the cheese doesn't burn) and throw it in the oven (350 degrees) for 30 to 45 minutes, until those potatoes are good and soft. 

Pull it out, let it cool for a few minutes, dig in, and enjoy!