The Humble Spud

Mashed, baked, fried, or added to curries, tortillas, soups, or salads, nothing beats the versatile, delicious, and nutritious potato. For over six millennia, it's been one of the world's most important and universally loved staples, and a welcome addition to any meal. Find out about the spud's many virtues and varieties (from the "Russet Burbank" to the "Belle de Fontenay"); how to choose and store them; and ways to cook them up--including roasting, gratins, griddling, and barbecuing. Spoon up a quickly made yet luscious potato chowder. Savor a snappy sweet-potato and grilled chili salad. Mash it up with garlic, parsley, and olive oil. Fry mouthwatering potato and cheese croquettes. For something elegant, choose potatoes Dauphinoise, a French delicacy made with butter, garlic, double cream, and green beans. For a full meal, prepare Carnival Chicken with Sweet-Potato Mash or Vegetable Pie with Potato Pastry. Never have there been so many yummy recipes for this favorite food. 9 X 9 1/4. All in