EMMA'S COD AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel the potatoes and cut them into slices about 1/8 inch thick (a mandoline comes in handy here). Toss the potatoes in an 8 X 11-inch or similar-size baking pan with 4 tablespoons of the oil or butter. Season the potatoes liberally with salt and pepper, spread them evenly, and put the pan in the oven.
• Cook for about 40 minutes, checking once or twice, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a thin-bladed knife and have begun to brown on top. Turn on the broiler and adjust the rack so that it is 4 to 6 inches from the heat source.
• Top the potatoes with the fish, drizzle with the remaining oil or butter, and sprinkle with some more salt and pepper. Broil until the fish is done, 6 to 10 minutes depending on its thickness (a thin-bladed knife will pass through it easily). If at any point the top of the potatoes begins to burn, move the pan a couple of inches farther away from the heat source.
• Variations
• Toss 1 teaspoon or more of minced garlic with the potatoes.
• Mix up to 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, dill, basil, or chervil or 1 or 2 teaspoons of stronger herbs like thyme or rosemary with the potatoes.
• Season the potatoes with a tablespoon or so of curry, chili powder, or paprika or a few pinches of cayenne or hot red pepper flakes.
• Top the fish with thinly sliced tomatoes and drizzle them with olive oil or dot them with butter before broiling.
• Add other vegetables to the potatoes-a cup or more of chopped spinach, for example-but be aware that their moisture may keep the potatoes from browning well.