Potato

A sophisticated, do-ahead hors d'oeuvre.

Rather than frying many batches of small latkes on the stove, you can prepare two large ones that are browned in the oven, then cut into wedges. Offer the Three-Apple Applesauce alongside.

Mashed potatoes are formed into dumplings and served as an accompaniment to sauerbraten at Haussner's, a German restaurant in Baltimore.

Serve this with eggs for breakfast, with salad and rolls for lunch, or as a side dish with steak for dinner.

Pureeing half of the soup (including the meat) gives it a denser consistency. While most Hungarian cooks do not top goulash with sour cream, go ahead; it adds a nice creaminess and tang.

To make the nori rolls in this recipe we used a bamboo sushi mat, available at Asian markets and some specialty shops. It's possible to make the rolls using a double thickness of aluminum foil instead of a sushi mat, but using a mat makes the process much easier.

Adding the whole basil leaves to the finished soup gives it a super-fresh taste.

Cover the potatoes in plenty of dressing. Save extra, as the potatoes absorb it quickly and may need a retoss.

This satisfying accompaniment is named for the creator of the recipe.

The following dish was inspired by a gratin served at Mesa Grill in New York City. In that recipe six sweet potatoes are combined with a chipotle chili and a quart of heavy cream for a rich and delicious side dish. In our version a similarly sweet-hot balance is achieved with the addition of enchilada sauce and cheese but no cream.

Sausage and Potato Mini-Turnovers The dough for these little turnovers may be pressed either by hand or with a tortilla press.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Serve this with steamed baby carrots, coleslaw and pickled cucumbers.

Bacon, eggs, and potatoes all in one dish, plus the mild oniony flavor of chives. Elegant for breakfast, brunch, or supper.