Does everyone have their orders for tomorrow...?

[jmowreader]

41. Leith, here's what you do

First, choose the right potatoes. Russets (ordinary utility-grade potatoes, the kind everyone has around the house) are mashing potatoes. Red potatoes are salad potatoes.

Set aside one more potato than you think you're going to need.

Use your scrub brush to clean the potatoes well. Red potatoes have thin, edible skins, so don't peel them. Cut them into cubes and put them in a big pot with enough water to cover them well. Bring to a boil and cook for 13 minutes.

While the potatoes are still boiling, use a kitchen spoon to bail one piece of potato out of the pot. Cool it under running water, then eat it. You've eaten potato salad before; if the potatoes aren't as tender as you remember, cook for another minute and try another piece. When they're right, take them off the stove and drain them.