Crash Hot Potatoes

My new favorite was of preparing potatoes! The recipe is from "The Pioneer Woman" blog, it was recommended to her by an Australian follower of her blog.

The recipe is so simple ~ bring water to boil in a pot large enough to fit as many potatoes as you wish to make. (I used small red waxy potatoes.) Add salt and potatoes to the boiling water and simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Generously oil a shallow rimmed baking pan with olive oil and place potatoes on the oiled pan a few inches from each other. With a potato masher press down on potatoes making a cross-hatch design. You're aiming to make a rough surface area that will brown up nice and crispy.

Brush the smashed potatoes with additional olive oil (this will help them brown and turn nicely crusty when baked.) Sprinkle generously with coarse (Kosher) salt, and freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle with finely minced fresh herb of your choice. I used rosemary this time, I think thyme, chives or sage would be delicious, too.

Bake in a preheated 450 degree (F) oven (rack placed in the uppermost position) and bake for about 25 minutes until nicely browned and crispy around the edges.

Voila ! Magnificent potatoes.

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You can find more detailed directions, along with plenty of photos of each step of preparation at Ree's (The Pioneer Womans) wonderful blog:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/06/crash-hot-potatoes/