So here I sit recovering from surgery to remove a broken ankle spur (whatever that is). I have to sit with my ankle elevated for 12 days. I have had the distinct displeasure of watching the dow continually decline while the news people tell us we are doomed despite the stimulus plan.

As I watch the pundits rant and rave I also look for the latest Euro rate to the dollar. I imagine myself flying off to Paris for a long weekend going from bistro to bistro…. finding the perfect potato dish… maybe mashed potatoes with parsnips, a creamy casserole of potatoes Dauphinoise, a crispy potatoes Anna or slender sticks of perfect French fries. These thoughts will remain just fantasies for the foreseeable future.

Potatoes are the universal food round the world that mean comfort… a bad day, a tough family issue, a work problem…. all are made just a little bit better with a favorite potato dish. And since I am not going anywhere for the next 12 days I will make do with 3 of my favorite potato dishes that I hope you will try during these blustery winter days.

Potatoes Savoyarde
Serves 6

Filling

3 medium cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon melted butter

2 1/2 pounds russet baking potatoes, unpeeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into small pieces

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

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