Happy Sliced Potatoes

Last Saturday night, Brian and I cooked dinner for my parents. After dinner, there was a surprise birthday visit from some of my friends, but that's another story. To begin with, we cooked.

Brian grilled some terrific steak, and I, as per normal, was in charge of the side dishes. I made roasted green beans with sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Then I made these beauties.

They're deceptively simple and impressive to serve. Even my picky mama loved them, and who can blame her? Potatoes, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper and sliced garlic. Can you go wrong? No, you can't.

They were a perfect touch to a perfect meal on a perfect day. To be surrounded by my parents and fiance, and to be surprised by my friends...I am overwhelmed at the outpouring of birthday love (not to mention the FIVE cakes. That's what happens when you're planning a wedding AND turning 30). Much love to everyone who wrote, called, texted, or Facebooked. You all are the best a girl could ask for.

Anyway, the next time you have your relatives over for dinner, make these. The five birthday cakes and multiple surprise visits are optional ;)

Sliced Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:
Baking potatoes (however many you want)
Sliced garlic (again - however much you want)
Butter (same)
Olive oil (same)
Salt and pepper (same)

Directions:
Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
Place on a cutting board with a chopstick on each side of the potato.
Using a sharp knife, cut small slits all the way down the potato, stopping when you hit the chopsticks (so you don't cut all the way through).
Thinly slice garlic and scatter between the potato slices.
Thinly slice a few pieces of butter and also put between various potato slices.
Drizzle the top with a thin coating of olive oil.
Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper (and/or your seasonings of choice).
Bake at 425 degrees for 40 minutes.
Eat, and enjoy!