A Potato Supper

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
2. 2
   If the fine, pale skin doesnt bother you, there is no need to peel the potatoes, but you should give them a good rub with your thumb (I must say, I invariably peel mine, or at least scrape them well, but others think I am being persnickety).
3. 3
   Whatever, you need to slice them no thicker than 1/8 inch (3mm).
4. 4
   Warm enough oil to cover the bottom of a frying pan, then fry the sliced potatoes in it just long enough to color them lightly on both sides.
5. 5
   Lift them out onto paper towels.
6. 6
   Generously butter a shallow baking dish or roasting pan.
7. 7
   Cut the bacon into pieces about the size of a postage stamp.
8. 8
   Layer the potatoes in the buttered dish, scattering the bacon, sage, and a grinding of salt and black pepper over them as you go.
9. 9
   Dot the surface with a few little knobs of butter, then pour over enough stock to cover.
10. 10
    Bake for about an hour, until the potatoes are soft enough to crush between your fingers.