Potatoes

There are as many ways to flavour mashed potatoes as there are cooks. These are my gold standard. They’re simple, with a twist: brown butter. You won’t believe how much flavour is locked into a stick of butter, but you will believe these are the best mashed spuds you’ve ever had.

Roasting adds flavour to just about anything - including mellow potatoes headed for a salad. The sharp flavours of capers, mustard and vinegar really perk them up. This is a popular dish at my family summer beach picnics but it’s great in the middle of the winter too!

Here’s a tip older than my grandmother: Potatoes absorb the most flavour when they’re still warm.