Russet Potato

If you choose to make this hash with eggs, you’ve got breakfast. Take away the eggs, pair it with a green salad, and dinner is served.

"For our anniversary, my husband and I went to Fiddle Heads in nearby Buffalo — a restaurant that’s always our first choice for special occasions," says Noreen Flynn of Kenmore, New York. "The chicken with mashed potatoes and greens I had last time was terrific; it would even be good enough to serve to guests during the holidays." Marinate the chicken overnight to make the most of the fresh herbs — their flavors will infuse the meat, with delicious results.

In making this omelet, the key is in the movement of the skillet, which must be positioned and repositioned over the heat to evenly color the side, top, and bottom of the omelet. A non-stick skillet is essential.

A spectacular, satisfying side dish that's a quick and easy partner for sausages, grilled steaks or roast lamb.

Aromatic spice and herb blends can quickly turn an ordinary soup recipe into something extraordinary. Here they transform a basic carrot soup into a special concoction you'll crave again and again. So start utilizing the "cook once, eat twice" theory; just freeze half of the recipe or make a double batch whenever possible.

Curry powder, cumin, and cinnamon give this dish a hint of the exotic.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Pressing potatoes through a food mill or ricer gives them a fabulous texture. But they're just as delicious simply mashed.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Short Ribs Provençale with Crème Fraîche Mashed Potatoes.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

Just four ingredients add up to a rich and delicious side dish. Once the potatoes are sliced, the gratin comes together quickly and then bakes unattended for about an hour and 15 minutes.