Beet Gratin with Gruyère and Thyme

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter 4 ramekins (or a medium sized gratin dish.)
2. Thinly slice beets with a mandoline. Arrange one layer of sliced beets in each ramekin - one slice may fit perfectly. (Alternatively, arrange slices, slightly overlapping, in one layer in gratin dish.)
3. Lightly brush beets with olive oil. Sprinkle with cheese, a little thyme and a pinch of nutmeg. Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Repeat layering process until there are no more beets, pressing down lightly after each layer is assembled. Make sure that the top has a generous covering of Gruyère cheese.
4. Bake in oven until gratin is bubbling, cheese is golden and beets are tender, about 45 minutes. Serve warm with fresh thyme sprigs as garnish.