Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Serves 12.

Note: Leftover Hasselback potatoes are a superb start to any hash and a nice breakfast, served with a fried egg. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than the traditional breadcrumb. The seasoned butter and panko may be made 3 months ahead and frozen. The dish can be made one day ahead; it does not freeze well. Reheat at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. From Cathy Barrow.

• 4 lb. russet potatoes or sweet potatoes

• 8 tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 2 tbsp. minced fresh chives

• 2 tbsp. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

• 1 tbsp. minced fresh thyme leaves

• 1 garlic clove, finely grated

• 1 tsp. kosher or sea salt

• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs (see Note)

Directions

To "Hasselback," place a potato on a cutting board. Snugly arrange 2 chopsticks or 2 identical round handles of wooden spoons at either side of the potato. (If needed, slice a slim piece from the bottom of the potato so that it will sit squarely.)

Using a sharp knife, make 1/8-inch slices along the length of the potato, using the chopsticks as a brake, so that while slicing, the blade stops before cutting all the way through the potato. Be aware of the ends of the potatoes, taking care not to slice all the way through. When finished, the top of the potato will fan out slightly. Place the potatoes in a bowl of ice water to keep them from browning while cutting the others.

In a medium bowl, stir together the softened butter, chives, parsley, thyme, sage, garlic, salt and pepper until well blended. Fold in the panko. (At this point, the butter may be shaped into a roll or stick and refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees with the rack in the middle.

Thoroughly dry the potatoes. Using your fingertips, slather the potatoes with about half of the buttery crumbs, taking time to press the mixture between the slices. This will be challenging as the potato will be stiff and uncooperative. Once buttered, place the potatoes in a baking pan, casserole dish or cast-iron skillet, fitting them snugly in one layer. Place a piece of parchment over the potatoes and cover the dish with foil, sealing it well.

Bake, uncovered, an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are soft and yielding and slightly crisped on the surface. Spoon the herbed butter over the top of the potatoes and serve.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories220Fat8 gSodium110 mg

Carbohydrates34 gSaturated fat5 gAdded sugar2 g