Potatoes Anna

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 425°F Using 3 tablespoons of the butter, grease a heavy 8-inch skillet. Select a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or one that has a heat-resistant handle. If the handle is not heat-resistant, cover with aluminum foil.
2. 2
   Using a floating-blade vegetable peeler, peel potatoes. With a large French chef's knife or a mandolin, cut potatoes crosswise into thin slices. You should have about 5 cups slices potatoes. Put potatoes into a large bowl and toss gently with salt and pepper.
3. 3
   Arrange one-third of the potato slices in a circular fashion around bottom and up the side of the skillet. Select slices that are uniform in size and shape. Dot with about 1/3 of the remaining butter and repeat layering two more times.
4. 4
   Place skillet over a medium-high heat and cook 4 minutes to brown the bottom of the potatoes. Remove from heat and cover potatoes with non-stick aluminum foil. Place a 9-inch Pyrex baking dish or pie plate on top of foil and press down firmly to pack potatoes together.
5. 5
   Place skillet and baking dish on rack in center of oven. You may want to place a sheet of aluminum foil on rack under skillet to catch any drippings that may run over. Bake 30 minutes. Remove Pyrex baking dish and foil and bake 5 minutes longer.
6. 6
   Remove skillet from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Using a small metal spatula, gently loosen potatoes from side and bottom of skillet. Invert onto serving platter to unmold potatoes. Remove skillet and serve.