Preparation Time: 5 minutes plus 1 hour, 20 minutes inactive
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Lamb Chops
In a food processor fitted with a metal blade add the garlic, rosemary, thyme, cayenne and salt. Pulse until combined. Pour in olive oil and pulse into a paste. Rub the paste on both sides of the lamb chops and let them marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator and allow the chops to come to room temperature; it will take about 20 minutes.
Heat a grill pan over high heat until almost smoking, add the chops and sear for about 2 minutes. Flip the chops over and cook for another 3 minutes for medium-rare and 3 1/2 minutes for medium.
Scalloped Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F and butter a 3-quart gratin or shallow baking dish. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Peel potatoes and cut into thin slices (about 1/8-inch thick). Add potatoes to boiling water and cook 4 minutes. Drain potatoes well in a colander.
In gratin or baking dish arrange potatoes, overlapping them, in 3 layers, sprinkling first 2 layers each with 1/2 cup Gruyere and salt and peppers to taste.
Heat milk, cream and nutmeg in a small bowl. Season mixture with salt and pepper and pour evenly over potatoes. Sprinkle potatoes with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and bake 30 minutes, or until top is golden and potatoes are tender.