The teachers are dropping like Parma bowling pins at our children’s elementary school. Many of the students displaying a remarkable lack of empathy love this, since when the teacher’s home sick the class is split up and distributed among the other classrooms. It’s similar to the fun they get from a tornado drill. There’s nothing nicer than a tiny, easy to manage crisis.
But having just spent a couple of weeks with our own round of colds, I expect the sick teachers aren’t having quite as much fun. So I thought I’d offer this recipe for a comfort-food recipe from my childhood. My mother always made this for us when we were ill, and it is so easy that the sick person can even make it to pamper herself without fainting over the stove.
SHANTY POTATOES
Peel and thinly slice into a small sauce pan as many white potatoes as you think you’ll eat in one sitting. This dish isn’t so great left over.
Barely cover with water and bring to a boil.
Add salt, pepper, and a big old blob of margarine (or, as my mother would say, oleo.)
Turn the heat down to medium-low and cover.
Check the water level every couple of minutes to be sure that the potatoes aren’t getting dry.
When the potatoes fall apart when poked with a fork and the broth has slightly thickened, they’re done (about 15 minutes).
Serve with toasted white bread and hot tea with lemon. You’ll be back on your feet in no time.