Sicilian Potato Cake Recipes

Steps:

• Set a rimmed baking sheet on the top oven rack; preheat to 475 degrees F. Put the potatoes and 1 tablespoon water in a large microwave-safe bowl; cover with plastic wrap and pierce a few times with a knife to vent. Microwave until very tender, 10 to 13 minutes. Meanwhile, generously butter an 8-inch-round cake pan; sprinkle in 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs and shake to coat, then tap out the excess.
• Add 4 tablespoons butter and the parmesan to the potatoes; season with salt and pepper and mash. Gradually mash in the beaten eggs. Spread half of the mixture in the prepared pan; top with the provolone, peppers and parsley, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with the remaining potato mixture and smooth evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs. Dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
• Set the pan on the hot baking sheet and bake until puffed and golden, about 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge to loosen, then unmold. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Meanwhile, toss the salad greens, olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Serve with the potato cake.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat three 9-inch-roundcake pans with cooking spray. Prepare the cake mixes as directed; divide the batter evenly among the pans and bake 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool.
• Make the "potato skin" frosting: Beat the butter and milk with a mixer until smooth. Beat in the cocoa powder. Beat in the confectioners' sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the mixture is as thick as cookie dough. Form into 2 disks, wrap in plastic and refrigerate.
• Level the domed tops of 2 cakes with a serrated knife. Stack the flat cakes on a cardboard circle with vanilla frosting between each; use the remaining domed layer on top. Freeze 30 minutes.
• Trim the cake into a potato shape with a small serrated knife; reserve the trimmings. Cover the cake with a thin layer of vanilla frosting.
• Dust a sheet of parchment paper with cocoa powder. Remove 1 disk of chocolate frosting from the refrigerator and roll into a 5-by-10-inch oval, dusting with more cocoa. Repeat with the other disk of frosting.
• Use the parchment to press the frosting sheets against the cake as shown, leaving a few inches on top uncovered. Dust with more cocoa. (Don't worry about how the bottom of the cake looks-it will be covered with foil.)
• Gently fold back the frosting on top. Crumble about 1/2 cup of the cake trimmings (use the light inside pieces) and sprinkle them on top of the cake.
• Unwrap the candies and microwave until soft but not melted, about 12 seconds. Stack the candies, then flatten with your fingers. Set on top of the cake.
• When ready to serve, snip the mint leaves on top of the cake. Carefully wrap the bottom half of the cake with a large sheet of foil.

Steps:

• In a large bowl with an electric beater, beat the ricotta and sugar until combined well. Add the heavy cream, vanilla, and rum and continue to beat until thick and smooth. Stir in the pineapple. Line the bottom and sides of a buttered 9-inch springform pan with some of the ladyfingers, top with one third of the filling, and cover with half the remaining ladyfingers. Add half the remaining filling, cover with the rest of the ladyfingers, and top with the last of the filling. Sprinkle with walnuts, chocolate chips, and glaceed cherries. Cover the cake with plastic and chill overnight. Run a knife around the inside of the pan and release the sides. Transfer the cake to a serving dish.

Steps:

• Mix mashed potatoes, flour, onion, egg, black pepper, and salt together in a bowl until batter consistency.
• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop 4-inch circles of batter into hot oil. Cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining batter.