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Double bill By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen

Meat and potatoes take the spotlight in 6 new but easy twists on a classic coupling.

Photography by Yvonne Duivenvoorden

Yes, it's the classic combination. Many open-minded cooks are frustrated with less-than-adventurous family members who request this same combo over and over. Is there anything wrong with meat and potatoes? Of course not. We all crave them together -- they are the ultimate comfort food. Here are six hearty meals to take you through the week, satisfy the purist in you and make you and your family feel right at home.

Taters, anyone?
Mix and match these tasty potatoes to suit what you're cooking and provide a little variety to your evening meal. Each makes 4 servings.

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Peel and cut 6 potatoes (about 2 lb/1 kg) into chunks. In saucepan of boiling salted water, cover and cook potatoes until fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes; drain well. With potato masher, mash until smooth. Mix in 1/2 cup (125 mL) hot milk or stock or cold buttermilk; 2 tbsp (25 mL) butter or sour cream; and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh parsley or chives and/or shredded cheese.

• Smashed Potatoes: Follow recipe for Creamy Mashed Potatoes, but do not peel potatoes; simply scrub skins before cutting potatoes into chunks.

• Golden Roast Potatoes: Peel, if desired, and cut 6 potatoes (about 2 lb/1 kg) into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks or wedges; place in bowl. Add 2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable or extra-virgin olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt, pepper and dried herbs, such as rosemary or sage. Toss to coat. Arrange in single layer on greased rimmed baking sheet; roast in 375°F (220°C) oven until crisp, tender and golden, 1-1/4 hours.

• Crispy Lightened-Up Oven Fries: Cut 6 potatoes (about 2 lb/1 kg) into thin wedges or 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick sticks. In large bowl, beat together 1 egg white; 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt; and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper. Add potatoes; toss to coat. Arrange in single layer on greased rimmed baking sheet; bake in 500°F (260°C) oven, turning once, until tender and golden, 20 to 25 minutes.

• Tender Baked Potatoes: Scrub 4 baking potatoes (about 2 lb/1 kg) and prick all over with fork. Bake in 400°F (200°C) oven on rimmed baking sheet until tender, about 1 hour. (Or bake in 375°F/190°C oven until tender, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Or microwave, uncovered, at High until tender, 12 to 15 minutes.)