HEAVEN AND EARTH (HIMMEL UND ERDE)

Potatoes were first known as earth apples in 18th century Germany. It obviously didn't take long for some clever cook to mix the two ingredients together and produce this unusual mash. Serve it with any main course meat dish.

1 lb floury potatoes
2 lb tart dessert apples, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon oil
4 oz bacon, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until just tender. Drain then press through a potato ricer or mash well.

Meanwhile cook the apples in about 4 tablespoons of water with a little butter, stirring occasionally until they break down to a puree.

Mix apples into the potatoes and season well. Set aside to keep warm.

Heat the oil in a frying pan and saute the bacon for about 5-7 minutes until cooked and crisp. Scoop on top of the potato-apple mixture.

Add the onion to the pan and saute for 5 minutes until softened and golden.

Mix the onions into the potato and apple; check the seasoning and serve.

Servings: 6
Source: the German Agricultural Marketing Board