MOTHERED WITH gravy, topped with a pat of butter and a simple sprinkling of salt and pepper, or used in a recipe that brings about true culinary comfort, mashed potatoes make their way into some of the most memorable meals.

A veritable blank canvas that can be mixed, seasoned and served with an abundant array of delicious foods and flavors, mashed potatoes start off simple, but end up spectacular. By mashing boiled potatoes with other ingredients (cream, milk, cheese, sour cream, butter and crisp bacon are just a few of the decadent favorites to choose from) the basic boiled potato becomes rich in flavor and texture. Served smashed and on the chunky side,or creamy, soft and smooth, mashed potatoes can stand alone, or work their magic in dishes ranging from shepherd's pie to potato croquettes.

Gratin, a French word traditionally used to describe any dish that is topped with buttery breadcrumbs or cheeses heated to glorious golden-brown crispness, often coincides with potatoes. There are many ways to prepare Potato Gratin, though most recipes call for ingredients including grated cheeses, milk or cream, and salt and freshly ground black pepper. This is a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfectly suited for a special occasion.

1533
The first European description of the potato appears in a document by Pedro Cieza de Leon.

1540
Under the name "truffole", the potato is introduced to France and cultivated at Saint-Alban-d'Ay.

1750-1760
"Tater" becomes an American slang word.

1824
"To fry Sliced Potatoes", a section of Mary Randolph's book "The Virginia House-wife", is an example of one of the earliest references to fried potatoes.

1845
The Great Famine, or the Irish Potato Famine, begins in Ireland.

1853
Chef George Crum near Saratoga Springs, New York, is believed to have created the original potato chip recipe.

1862
A food stall in Antwerp begins selling fried potatoes. 1885- Vincent van Gogh paints The Potato Eaters, depicting a family eating potatoes.

1902
John Butler of Scotter Lincolnshire introduces the King Edward potato, one of the oldest surviving European potato varieties.

1910
Mike-sell's Potato Chip Company, which calls itself "the oldest potato chip company in the United States," is founded.

1920
The Smiths Potato Crisps Company Ltd. adds salt to their chips, originating the idea of the seasoned potato chip

1926
Laura Clough Scudder, inventor of the potato chip bag, begins her food company in Monterey Park, California.

1953
The Ore-Ida Company begins to create and produce Tater Tots. 2008- The year officially declared as "The International Year of the Potato" by the United Nations.