ok,every body don't get mad I understand what Andy said and others on simmer. Its just I have so many receipes that say,well here's some examples and this is word for word..."medium heat until mixture starts to simmer,reduce heat to medium low and continue to simmer......also place broth in covered sauce pan over medium heat when broth begins to simmer reduce heat to low....also from label of Heinz sloppy Joe mix add sauce simmering on medium low heat ,and a popular forum some one asked they have a receipe that says over medium high heat bring to a simmer and simmer 25 min. Answer ....bring it up to simmer on the suggested temperature and then lower that temperature to keep it at a simmer,left on medium high would go above a simmer rather quickly. During 25 min. Make sure temperature doesn't have to be raised or lower. One last example,cream sauce because of salt,simmer at a high temperature would cut down your time for reducing. And keep it to a low simmer or at most medium simmer. And now from joy of cooking,gentle simmer over medium high heat. ...
Perfect Potatoes Au Gratin
adapted from Joy of Cooking
Ingredients:
1 clove of garlic
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup finely diced onion
2 1/2 lbs. baking potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
3 cups half-n-half
2 tablespoons flour
salt and pepper
pinch of nutmeg
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.* Rub a 13x9 casserole dish with the garlic clove, then coat with 1 tablespoon of butter.
In a large saucepan or dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, add onion and a dash of salt and pepper.* Saute until onion is tender but do not let it brown.* Add all the half-n-half, sliced potatoes, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, nutmeg, and sprinkle in the flour.*
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then cook and stir gently until the liquid thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.* Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Press down lightly to submerge potatoes.* Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.* Bake for about 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender.**