Ode to the Spud
Pablo Neruda
…
Hunger’s enemy
in all nations,
your victorious flag
is buried,
And quickly there
in the cold or on the
burning coast,
your anonymous
flower
appears,
announcing the thick
and soft nativity
of your roots.
…
Choose the firmest, most blemish-free new red potatoes, about two per person. Wash and then bake in a 350º oven for about 30 minutes.
When cool enough to handle, scoop out some of the pulp with a melonballer to form a small cavity. Reserve that bit of potato to a bowl.
In the bowl, combine the potato pulp, ¼ cup of sour cream and 2 tablespoons cream cheese. Sprinkle with dill or other herb of your choice. Add salt and pepper. Refill potato with this mixture and return to the oven until the potatoes are again hot.
Other ingredients you might want to add to the potato mixture are: sautéed onions; crumbled bacon, chopped ham, grated cheese, or chopped walnuts.
