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3 to 4 pounds baking potatoes
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1/2 stick of melted butter
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salt and pepper

In a non stick frying pan, melt about a tablespoon of butter to cover the bottom of the pan. Meanwhile, peel and slice potatoes into thin and even slices (1/8 inch). Try to make the first layer as pretty as possible (this is when you can allow your kids – or adult kids – to cut the potatoes into letters or shapes). After each layer, brush the potatoes with butter and season with salt and pepper. Once the pan is full, cover the top with foil and put something heavy and heat proof on top of it (heavy cast iron pots work well). On the stovetop, brown the bottom layer of the potatoes for about 5 to 10 minutes on medium high or until the bottom is brown. My mom claims she can smell when they are done, but you can take a spatula and look under to check. . Then, transfer the entire thing to the oven for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Once the potatoes have cooked through, let the dish cool down a bit and then flip onto a large platter.
These potatoes are so good that I once had a proposal of marriage based upon how good these potatoes tasted.
Also remember that the dogs really appreciated our “oh shit” moment as about a quarter of the potatoes wound up on the kitchen floor. I think next time the tall person should flip the pan and the short person should hold the platter :).