The Epicure's Almanac or Diary of Good Living
March 7th : To BOIL POTATOES
Simple as the process may appear, few cooks understand the boiling of potatoes. The method is easy enough if proper attention be paid.
Put the required number, well washed, but not peeled, into a saucepan, and cover them with water about an inch above those at the top. Let them boil on a fire not too fierce, so that the process be a slow one.
Take off the saucepan and let it stand on the edge of the hob till a fork easily penetrates the vegetable; you may now drain off the water, and let the steam evaporate ; when you perceive that the vapour has ceased to rise, put a clean cloth over the top of the saucepan, and let it stand in a warm corner till the potatoes are required. Five-and-twenty minutes are quite sufficient time for their dressing.