Preparation 30 minutes.  Cooking time 1 hour 45 minutes. Oven 350 F.

1 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, chopped (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

1 cup grated cheese (Parmesan, Romano, or your choice)

1 stick butter or margarine

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon dried basil

2 & 1/2 cup milk

8 medium size potatoes (red, white, or yellow), thinly sliced

For sauce: In a medium saucepan cook onion and garlic in hot butter until soft.  Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and basil.  Add milk while stirring.  Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened.  Remove from heat; set aside.  Place half the sliced potatoes in a greased 13 x 9 backing dish.  Top with half the sauce. Repeat layers.

Bake, covered, in a 350 F oven for 1 hour.  Uncover, sprinkle with grated cheese.  Bake for another 40 to 50 minutes until potatoes are soft and cheese is golden.  Let stand ten minutes before serving.