Russet Potato

An elegant appetizer from Fleur de Lys in San Francisco.

(Sliced Potato Cake)

Onion soup-a bistro classic-is enriched with cream for an elegant touch.

A sophisticated presentation that is ideal for a holiday feast.

(Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage) Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. This recipe for colcannon is thought to have come to the New World in the 1800s, carried by the great waves of Irish immigration.

(Russian Potato-and-Cabbage Turnovers)

It's low-fat milk, not cream, that gives this delicious side dish its richness. Try it with poached, grilled or roasted salmon steaks.

This satisfying British staple is an excellent use for leftover mashed potatoes. You will need two cups for this recipe; bring them to room temperature before using.

Here's a stick-to the- ribs specialty where the Slavic influences of Trieste are deliciously evident. It's a typical holiday and special-occasion dish that is usually served from a big pot at the dinner table. The pot is always returned to the table later in the evening so that guests can have a snack before they leave.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Basil is one of the favorite ingredients of the Italian region of Liguria, and there is no place in the world where it is more fragrant or put to such delicious use. It's the basis of the classic Genoese sauce, pesto, in which it is partnered with garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses. It shows up most typically floating atop minestrone, drizzled over potato gnocchi, or - as here - tossed with trenette (the local ribbon pasta), potatoes and green beans.

Called Dublin coddle, this traditional Irish dish is a quick main course.

"A friend of mine served herbed potatoes at a dinner party and inspired me to come up with this recipe," says Brenda Medvid of Reston, Virginia. "My version gets a tangy kick from the lemon juice, and conveniently, it uses only dried herbs. These potatoes make a quick side dish that suits my taste for home-cooked meals."