Two Tone Taters

New potatoes roasted with herbs make a great accompaniment to the Easter lamb or ham. But these aren’t just any roasted potatoes; the herbs are inside them. When your guests slice them open, they’ll be delighted by the sight of the herbs--and flavor that infuses the potatoes.

Vary the herbs you use according to the main course. I especially like oregano, tarragon and dill with lamb. Try several herbs and see what you like best.

You can also use a variety of potatoes so you have different shapes and colors. Just try to keep the potatoes about the same size so they bake evenly.

If you prefer, you can mist the potatoes with olive oil rather than nonstick spray.

Deane’s book “Low Fat Kitchen” includes more than 100 recipes created for this column. To order, call (800) 246-4042. The price is $20.45 including shipping and sales tax.

Easter Herbal Potatoes

Active Work Time: 15 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 1 hour

24 small boiling potatoes

Sprigs of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, tarragon, dill, thyme and oregano

Nonstick cooking spray

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Salt

Freshly ground pepper

* Scrub potatoes under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels. Make 3 or 4 crosswise slits in each potato, but not through, so potato remains intact. Break off tips of herb sprigs and gently insert pieces into potato slits. (Potatoes are best when you use 1 herb for each potato, rather than mixing them.)

* Place potatoes on jellyroll pan or in baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Lightly spray potatoes. Spoon a little butter into cuts of each potato. Sprinkle potatoes with salt and pepper.

* Bake at 400 degrees until potatoes are fork tender, about 45 minutes, stirring several times during roasting.

4 servings. Each serving: 62 calories; 133 mg sodium; 16 mg cholesterol; 6 grams fat; 3 grams carbohydrates; 0 protein; 0.06 gram fiber.

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Bowl and napkin from Windows, Pasadena.