Jansson's Temptation

3 tablespoons butter
2 large onions, sliced
4 medium potatoes, peeled & julienne
1 (3-oz.) can anchovy fillets
1 cup half & half
Bread Crumbs

Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish;  set aside.  Preheat oven to 400ºF.  Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet. Add onions;  stirring occasionally, sauté‚ 2 minutes or until soft but no browned.  In prepared baking dish, alternately layer potatoes, sauté‚ed onions, and anchovies, beginning and ending with potatoes.  Sprinkle 1 tablespoon brine from anchovies over top.  Dot with remaining 2 tablespoons butter.  Pour 1/2 cup half and half over top.  Cover and bake 25 minutes.  Remove cover; add remaining half and half, sprinkle with bread crumbs, and Bake 25 minutes longer.  Serve hot or at room temperature.  Makes 6 servings.