Pommes Anna

Ingredients:

• 1 teaaspoon kosher or sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 pounds peeled baking potatoes, cut 1/8-inch thick slices
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and divided
• 1 tablespoon fresh flatleaf parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 450°. In a small bowl, combine the salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a 10-inch heavy saucepan over medium heat. Arrange a single layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping in a circular pattern in the pan and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt/pepper mixture. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of the melted butter over the potatoes. Repeat the layers 5 times, ending with the drizzled butter. Press firmly to pack, then cover and bake at 450° for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until they turn golden. Loosen the edges with a spatula, then place the plate upside down on top of the pan and invert the potatoes onto the plate. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.