Yankee Sweet Potatoes with Apples

Peel potatoes and slice in 1/4 inch pieces. In a saucepan, cover the potatoes with milk, cream and garlic. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Season with salt and cayenne. Peel, core, and slice apples. Preheat oven to 375 ºF. Rub a 9 X 13 baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter and dust with 3 tablespoons bread crumbs. Add apples to potatoes and cream and spread it all in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese, bread crumbs, and the remaining butter. Bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned. Omit the cheese if using creme fraiche. The creme fraiche should be added when dish is taken from the oven