Bacon Hasselback Potatoes

Directions

1. 1
   Lay the bacon pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until hard, about 30 minutes.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. 3
   Using a sharp knife, make crosswise cuts in each potato, about 1/8 inch apart, stopping about 1/4 inch from the bottom.
4. 4
   Add the potatoes to the boiling water and cook 4 minutes.
5. 5
   Remove with a slotted spoon and carefully transfer to a baking sheet; let cool slightly.
6. 6
   Pat the potatoes dry, then insert 3 pieces of the frozen bacon into the cuts of each potato, spacing the bacon evenly and letting it poke out of the top.
7. 7
   Melt 5 tablespoons butter and brush generously over the potatoes and in the cuts.
8. 8
   Reserve any excess butter for basting.
9. 9
   Season the potatoes with salt and pepper.
10. 10
    Transfer the potatoes to the oven and bake until the outsides are browned and crisp, about 2 hours, basting halfway through with the reserved melted butter.
11. 11
    When the potatoes are almost done, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and mix with the scallions, parsley and garlic.
12. 12
    Spoon over the potatoes and roast 5 more minutes.
13. 13
    Transfer to a platter and season with salt and pepper.
14. 14
    Photograph by Gentl & Hyers