This sounds too yummy. I have a recipe very similar to this, but I love your idea of blanching the potatoes. I'm too "thrifty" to buy frozen potatoes too! In Utah they call these potatoes "Funeral Potatoes" It's because at a funeral the family has a dinner afterwards, and the church ladies bring potatoes to round out the ham, or whatever. Just ask anyone from this area, and they know what "funeral potatoes are! Thanx for sharing. I love browsing recipes almost as much as quilt books! Sara