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It's about a food that is included in one of every three of four meals Americans eat and is often called, "an ideal food." It has but a trace of fat, unless you add other things to it, has hardly any sodium, is low in calories, has lots of vitamin C and B6, fiber, potassium, 120 calories in a medium size, and has skin on it, which is edible if you scrub it well. If you didn't look ahead to find out what I'm talking about, it's potatoes. You guesses it or you peeked!

Potatoes can be prepared in several different ways, the first recipe is very quick and easy to prepare.

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CHEESY POTATO

CASSEROLE

1 bag "Simply potatoes" hash browns

1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

1 can cream of chicken or cream of celery soup

1-1/2 c. sour cream with chives or if you have fresh chives, snip a tablespoon or so into regular sour cream.

4 T. butter or margarine, melted

1/4 t. salt

Couple dashes of pepper

1 T. minced onion

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Turn into a greased or sprayed 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

Makes 6-8 servings.

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SCALLOPED POTATOES AND ONIONS

5 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (I use reds)

3/4 c. (yes, 3/4 c), diced onion

3 T. butter

1/4 c. flour

1-14 oz. can chicken broth

1/4 c. low-fat mayonnaise

1/2 t. salt

Couple dashes of pepper

Paprika

Layer potatoes and onions in a round or square 1-1/2 quart dish. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook and stir until foamy, being sure not to let it get brown. Gradually stir in broth and mayo. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce bubbles and thickens. Season with salt and pepper; pour over potatoes. Sprinkle generously with paprika. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes or until potatoes are tender and top is lightly browned. If it starts to get too brown before it's done, put foil over it.

Makes 8 servings.

Don't turn up your nose at the next recipe as they are delicious.

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POTATO APPLE PANCAKES

2 large potatoes, peeled

2 medium apples, peeled (Braeburn works well)

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 T. mined onion

2 T. flour

1/2 t. salt

Canola or vegetable oil

Applesauce or sour cream

Finely shred potatoes and apples; pat dry on paper towel; add next four ingredients and mix well. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoonfuls of oil over medium high heat. Drop batter by two tablespoonsfuls into hot oil. With the back of the spoon, spread pancakes to form a 3-inch circle. Fry until golden brown and begins to bubble; turn and cook until golden. Serve immediately with applesauce or sour cream.

Makes 10-12 pancakes.

Note: I shred the potatoes and apple after I combine the other ingredients.

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Do you like Reuben sandwiches? You're good to go with this recipe.

REUBEN BAKED POTATOES

4 large baking potatoes (russets or white potatoes)

2 c. finely diced corned beef

1-14 oz. can sauerkraut, well drained (I squeeze it to get as much liquid as possible) and finely chopped

1/2 c. shredded Swiss cheese

3 T. green onion, thinly sliced

1 small clove garlic, minced - optional

1 T. creamed horseradish

1 T. caraway seed - optional

1-3 oz. pkg. cream cheese - low fat works, softened

3 T. Parmesan cheese

Paprika

Bake potatoes at 425 degrees for 45 minutes or until tender. Cool. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine next 7 ingredients. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out potatoes, leaving skin whole. Mash potatoes with cream cheese; stir into corned beef mixture. Mound potato mixture into shells. Sprinkle with Parmesan and paprika. Turn oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue to bake 25 minutes or until heated through.

Makes 8 servings.

TFD: Potatoes are to food what sensible shoes are to fashion.

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