Roasted Yams With CrÈme FraÎche And Chives Food

SCALLOPED POTATOES WITH CREME FRAICHE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Rub the garlic all over the inside of a 3-quart baking dish, then mince it. Grease the dish with about 1/2 tablespoon butter.
• Slice the potatoes about 1/8 inch thick (a mandoline works well). Combine in a large saucepan with the minced garlic, the remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons butter, the half-and-half, creme fraiche, flour, thyme, mace, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the chives and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, shaking it to distribute the potatoes evenly. Bake, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 1 hour 5 minutes, occasionally spooning some of the liquid over the top. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
• You can also make the scalloped potatoes in individual ramekins; bake about 40 minutes.

BALSAMIC ROASTED YAMS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Place balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a large skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
• Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
• Add butter and salt and stir until butter melts.
• Add yams to the pan, stir to coat and season with black pepper.
• Spread evenly on a rimmed cookie sheet.
• Bake 40 minutes, or until yams are tender, stirring occasionally.

ROASTED BABY POTATOES WITH CREME FRAICHE, BACON, AND CHIVES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F Toss potatoes, olive oil, and rosemary in large bowl to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss again.
• Coat large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Transfer potatoes, cut side down, to prepared sheet. Roast until brown on bottom, about 15 minutes. Using metal spatula, turn potatoes over and roast until tender, 5 to 10 minutes longer. DO AHEAD Can be made 4 hours ahead. Let stand on sheet at room temperature. Rewarm in 400°F oven 5 minutes before continuing.
• Cook bacon in medium skillet over medium heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.
• Place potatoes, cut side up, on platter (slice off rounded end to make flat, if necessary). Top each with dollop of crème fraîche, then bacon and chopped chives. Serve warm or at room temperature.

LEMON CHIVE CREME FRAICHE

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix together creme fraiche, lemon juice and chives. Season to taste with the salt and pepper.

CHIVE CREAM

Steps:

• In the bowl of a standing mixer - or in a large bowl, using a hand-held mixer - whip the crème fraîche until light and airy. Stir in the buttermilk, garlic, chives, lemon zest and juice. Season with one-fourth teaspoon salt and a couple grinds of black pepper, or to taste.
• Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.
• This will keep, refrigerated, for one day.