Harper's cook book encyclopædia

Potatoes, Boiled. — When about to boil potatoes, pick them out as nearly as possible of one size, or the large ones will be hard when the small ones are reduced to pulp. If this cannot easily be done, cut them to one size. Wash them well, remove the specks, or eyes, and pare them as thinly as possible, not only to avoid waste, but because the best part of the potato is near the skin. As they are pared, throw them into cold water, and let them remain in it until wanted. An iron saucepan is preferable to a tin one for cooking them, as it prevents them boiling so fast, and the more slowly they are boiled the better. Put them into a saucepan with barely enough cold water to cover them, and as soon as the water boils throw in a little more cold water. This will check the heat, and keep the potatoes from breaking before they are done through. Thrust a fork into them occasionally, and as soon as they Potatoes Boiled Potatoes, Fried are soft take them up, pour off the liquor, and let them stand by the side of the fire with the saucepan partially uncovered till the moisture has evaporated and they are quite dry. If they are allowed to remain in the water after they are done enough, they will certainly be spoiled. Serve very hot. When potatoes are done before they are wanted they should be drained and left in the saucepan by the side of the fire, and, instead of the lid, a folded cloth should be laid over them. This will absorb the moisture and keep them hot and in good condition for some time. In order to make boiled potatoes look floury, boil and drain them as above, and while they are drying by the side of the fire shake the saucepan vigorously every minute or two. This will give them a very good appearance, but it is rather wasteful, as a good portion of the potato sticks to the side of the pan. Time, according to the quality of the potato, from half an hour to an hour and a half. Potatoes Boiled in their Jackets. — Potatoes are frequently boiled and baked in their jackets, and a small plate is placed by the side of each guest to receive the skins. They are certainly nicer prepared in this way than in any other, and also better, for the most nutritious portion of the potato is said to lie quite close to the skin, and it is frequently cut off when the potato is carelessly peeled; at the same time, this method is an inconvenient and not very tidy way of serving them. Choose potatoes of uniform size, and scrub them with a soft brush until they are perfectly clean. Put them into a saucepan with a little cold water, not quite sufficient to cover them. Boil them as gently as possible, for the more slowly they are cooked the better they will be. If a little salt is thrown in occasionally it will be found a great improvement. If the potatoes are large, add half a cupful of cold water every now and then. In order to ascertain whether or not they are done enough, probe them occasionally with a fork, and when they are tender throughout pour off the water, put the saucepan once more on the fire, and let it remain until the potatoes are quite dry. Send them to table with the skins on. Time to boil the potatoes, from half an hour to an hour, according to size and quality.