3 baking potatoes
1 c. cream (heavy or half and half)
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. salt (or to taste)

Peel potatoes. Put through coarse meat grinder (do not grate). Put in colander. Run cold water through the potatoes for 1 minute. Soak in cold water 1 hour. Drain thoroughly. Dry on paper towels. Place 3 cups potatoes in well buttered flat casserole. Sprinkle with salt. Add cream to almost cover. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes. Add ham if desired. (I use my Mouli Julienne.)