Russet Potato

Fluffy potatoes and fruity olive oil are a perfect match; the better the oil, the better the flavor.

When adding the flour, it's important to do so delicately. It must be cooked to remove any raw taste. This thickens the soup nicely.

Camilla MacPhee, a longtime resident of Souris, Prince Edward Island, fondly remembers when staples like salt beef, salt cod, potatoes, turnips, beets, parsnips, and carrots came entirely from neighboring farmers and fishermen. This recipe is based on the fish cakes she still makes today.

The blend of dried herbs known as herbes de Provence usually consists of basil, thyme, rosemary and oregano. Sometimes lavender is also included, which adds a flavor that is the most evocative of Provence. An accompaniment to Herb-and Spice-roasted Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine-Shallot Sauce . Sharpen your chopping and mincing skills with our technique video.

"Even in the spring it can be very chilly here in New England," saysMichelle M. Littlefield of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. "My mom and I like to prepare this soup on weekends — and our entire family loves to warm up with a bowl of it."

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Oven-baked potato "chips" at their best.

Save the beet tops for a quick side dish: just sauté them with garlic and olive oil, sprinkle with lemon, salt and pepper, and serve.

Potatoes lend moistness, and caraway seeds and onions--two ingredients favored by German, Scandinavian and Eastern European immigrants--add flavor to these traditionally shaped rolls.

The classic gets a dash of color and flavor. Using a hand masher for the potato mixture leaves bits of carrot.

If you plan on preparing this side dish the day before serving, reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid and add it to the puree when reheating it.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

The primary difference between this kugel recipe and the traditional is its use of dairy, which would make it inappropriate at a meal with meat on the menu for those who observe kosher dietary laws.

The microwave makes this dish a snap to prepare.