Potato

A classic rendition of the summer favorite. For something a little different, Cash sometimes adds two-thirds cup chopped fresh cilantro and two teaspoons curry powder.

Simplicity at its most comforting, this dish also makes a wonderful breakfast side.

This rib-sticking soup makes a fine meal, especially with a salad alongside. See how to dice potatoes.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In addition to the fried parsnip the executive chef at Ashford Castle, Denis Lenihan, often adorns this soup with a poached carved apple.

This stuffed potato is practically a meal in itself; just add a salad, and you're all set.

At the restaurant, the gnocchi are shaped in a time-honored manner that includes pressing each short dough piece against the tines of a fork. Home cooks may find it simpler to roll the dough along the wires of a whisk, as outlined here. Also, if you can't get ground chuck, buy a boneless chuck roast, and ask the butcher to grind it for you.

The gentle sweetness of this simple side dish goes well with the slightly spicy flank steak .

Our food editors agree that this is one of the best-tasting and most elegant shepherd's pies they've ever had. The recipe is not as complicated as it appears at first glance—the different components all come together to make a complete meal in a single dish. The potatoes are stiffer than the average mash because they will be forming the crust for the pie.

This venerable cold-weather dish has never looked so pretty or tasted so good. Partner it with a tossed green salad and French bread. Uncork a dry red wine.

Can be prepared in 45 minute or less.

Shallots, cayenne pepper and cheddar, the king of Wisconsin cheeses, all add a distinctive flavor to this appealing dish.