Potatoes can be made ahead, but like corn on the cob, they are best when they come fresh from the pot to the plate. Boiled potatoes should take about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Drying the potatoes is the final trick. To get a rich, intense potato flavour, be sure to heat them long enough to drive off the water they absorbed as they boiled. Once you've mastered the gentle art of potato boiling, you can expand your repertoire easily.
Potatoes hashed in cream is a delicious accompaniment to roasted meats or poultry.
Or, make it into a simple one-dish dinner by adding fresh peas and diced ham. For those wanting to celebrate St. Patrick's Day Irish lamb stew shown in this handout photo is the perfect way. Over medium-high heat, cook lamb until well browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. With slotted spoon, remove lamb to bowl. Add remaining oil and cook carrots, potatoes, onion and garlic over medium heat until tender-crisp, about 10 minutes.