A question about a recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese

I have a question about step 3 on the recipe "Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese" from Sonali aka the Foodie Physician. It says:

"While the potatoes are cooking, heat the half and half, garlic, bay leaf, and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. "