Duchess Potatoes

Directions

1. 1
   Bake the potatoes in a preheated 400 degree F oven for 1 hour, or until they are tender.
2. 2
   Halve the potatoes lengthwise, scrape the flesh into a bowl, and press them through a ricer into a large bowl.
3. 3
   With an electric mixer beat in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, the whole eggs, 1 at a time, and the half-and-half and beat the mixture until it is combined well and smooth.
4. 4
   Add 1/3 cup of Parmesan.
5. 5
   Add the nutmeg, pepper, and salt, to taste, and transfer the mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a large decorative tip.
6. 6
   Pipe the mixture into 6 rosettes onto a buttered baking sheet and drizzle them with the melted butter and remaining cheese.
7. 7
   (The rosettes may be chilled, covered loosely, for several hours or overnight).
8. 8
   Bake the potatoes in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 10 to 15 minutes for potatoes at room temperature, or for 25 to 30 minutes for chilled potatoes, or until they are heated through.
9. 9
   Then, put the baking sheet under a preheated broiler about 6 inches from the heat, and broil the potatoes until the tops are golden.