The potato has its origins in ancient Andean civilization and is an essential ingredient in billions of homes in more than 100 countries around the globe. Self-professed potato-holic Rahgavan Iyer (600 Curries) gives the tuber a turn in the spotlight in his colorful, fun-filled and curiously entertaining cookbook. Smashed, Mashed, Boiled, and Baked--and Fried, Too! offers a primer on the varieties of potatoes that exist in the world (5,000 types worldwide, in starchy and waxy variants), their uses in various cooking methods and odd trivia bits (like a shout-out to the American who became the first non-Japanese citizen to pass the shochu distilled beverage advisor test). Throughout, the well traveled, James Beard and IACP Award-winning author offers intriguing recipes, many of which can be prepared in nine steps or fewer. Highlights include a Hmong-inspired sweet potato, chicken and lemongrass stew and a mojito potato-pomegranate salad. Who knew tubers could be so versatile? --Nancy Powell, freelance writer and technical consultant