Melissa’s Marvels

The local grocery has finally started offering potato options beyond Russet, Red Bliss, and what they call All Purpose potatoes. The specialty produce section now includes potatoes from a company named Melissa’s. As you can see from the Web site the company has a wide range products — all of them good in my experience. Last night I bought a bag of mixed new potatoes and fixed them in what has become my favorite mode for these sweet, earthy jewels.

I boil them until just tender — about 10 minutes. Then coarsely mash them with a fork. Dress them with a generous drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper, and parmegiano and you have a simple, basic dish you’ll eat far too much of. Be sure to use a full-flavored olive oil and you’re talking seriously good.