Seriously Simple: Roasted potato fans are a tasty side dish standby
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh thyme, rosemary or parsley leaves for garnish
1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Peel potatoes, and immerse in cold water to prevent them from darkening.
3. When ready to roast, dry potatoes well. Place potato on wooden spoon or skewer the potato lengthwise 3/4 of the depth of potato.
4. Beginning 1/2 inch from each end of the potato, slide the knife crosswise into the potato at 1/8-inch intervals. The cuts will go only 3/4 of the way through the potato if you use the spoon or skewer as an aid. This will allow the potatoes to resemble fans when baked.
5. Spray a baking dish with oil, and arrange potatoes sliced side up in the baking dish. Brush with half the melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes depending upon their size.
6. Baste with remaining butter, and dust with Parmesan cheese. Continue roasting 15 to 20 minutes more or until the potatoes are tender, cooked on the inside, golden brown and crispy on the outside and have a fanned appearance.
7. Garnish with herbs, if desired. Serve immediately.
(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including "Seriously Simple Parties," and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.)
