Peppy potato recipes

Purple potato and fresh sage gratin
(shown above)

Makes 4 to 6 servings

The fresh sage adds a distinctive flavour, while cream and parmesan cheese provide wonderful richness. If you wish, include a bit of pre-cooked, unsmoked bacon. Good with steak or lamb.

2          lb. (900 g) purple potatoes or other waxy varieties (such as fingerling, red or even ‘Yukon Gold'),
            scrubbed, thinly sliced
4          cloves garlic, thinly sliced
11⁄4     cups (300 mL) heavy cream
            Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4          tbsp. (60 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
20        fresh sage leaves
1⁄2       cup (125 mL) grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375˚F (190˚C).

In a large bowl, toss potatoes with garlic, cream, salt and pepper until spuds are coated.

Use half the olive oil to grease a 9-inch (2.5-L) baking dish. Add half the potato mixture, arranging as you wish; scatter half the sage leaves overtop. Add remaining potatoes (along with any accumulated liquid) and sage leaves. Drizzle with last bit of olive oil.

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, removing foil halfway through so potatoes get crusty and golden brown. Sprinkle parmesan over surface 5 minutes before removing from oven. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.