QUICKIE ON THE SIDE: ROASTED MARBLE POTATOES

Often, when friends come over, I often overlook the side dish that goes with the main course. Does this happen to you, too?

Here's an easy-to-make side that requires Herbes de Provence, a mixture of dried herbs commonly used in Southeast France. Though it sounds exotic, it's actually very easy to make and will surely impress your guests. Trust me.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 kg.   Marble potatoes
• 3 tbsp.    Olive  oil
• Herbes de Provence
• Salt and pepper

TO MAKE:

Step 1: Prep the potatoes. Wash the potatoes and let them dry on a rack.

Step 2: Make the Herbes de Provence.  Mix and grind: Savory, Marjoram, Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano. Savory or satureja is very hard to come by in the Philippines. You can substitute additional thyme and sage.

Step 3: Roast the potatoes. Preheat the oven to 450 F. Mix in the Herbes de Provence and place the potatoes on a roasting pan. Coat potatoes with olive oil and, season with salt and pepper. Roast for  20 minutes, making sure it's tender before you take it out of the oven.

Serve with tomato-based meat or poultry dishes.