Potato Volcano

Name: Potato Volcano
Prep time: 55 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 8 to 10 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk; 3 tablespoons butter; 1/2 teaspoon salt; CHEESE SAUCE:; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup milk; 1-1/2 cups American cheese, cubed; Salt and pepper to taste

Kids of all ages get a kick out of this recipe. I make it by mounding mashed potatoes into the shape of a mountain, putting a crater in the middle, and filling it with cheese sauce and drizzling some down the sides like lave. Then I broil it until it's bubbling and brown.—Beatta Robben, Grinnell, Kansas

Ingredients

8 to 10 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
CHEESE SAUCE:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk
1-1/2 cups American cheese, cubed
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Cover and bring to a boil; cook for 20-25 minutes or until very tender. Drain well; mash with milk. Add butter and salt; beat until fluffy. Mound potato mixture about 4 in. high on a 9-in. broiler-proof pan; set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add cheese, salt and pepper; stir until the cheese is melted.
With a large spoon, form a well 3 to 3-1/2 in. deep and 2-in. wide in the potato mixture. Pour cheese sauce into the well and drizzle down the sides. Broil 4 to 6 in. from the heat for 10 minutes or until the cheese sauce is browned and bubbling.