Herb Scalloped Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Au Gratin

INGREDIENTS

2 lb

sweet potatoes ((about 3-4 medium potatoes))

slices bacon, cooked and chopped

2 1/2 cups

grated Gruyere cheese ((about 8 ounces))

1 tbsp

butter, cut into 8 cubes

3 cups

heavy cream

large onion, thinly sliced

bay leaves

garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp

fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp. dried))

1 tbsp

chopped fresh chives ((or 1 tsp. dried))

1 1/2 tsp

fresh thyme ((or 1/2 tsp. dried))

1/8 tsp

cayenne pepper ((optional))

1/4 tsp

ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp

salt

1/2 tsp

pepper