The Duchess potato, appreciated for its combination of creamy potato mash, egg yolk and butter, is hitting new taste heights with the addition of fresh black pepper and a delicious pecorino cheese twist. The potatoes are crowned by the signature use of a piping bag with a star tip, yielding an enchanting floral configuration. Don't worry if you don't have the required piping tools, a simple spoon tucked into a ziplock bag with a snipped corner yields similar results.

The transformed Duchess potatoes result in a crunchy, nicely browned base that complements the cheese and pepper flavors perfectly. Offer these potatoes as an accompaniment to roast chicken or duck, Thanksgiving turkey, a hearty meatloaf or pork tenderloin. You can also let them shine as an indulging shepherd's pie topping.

The secret to achieving the perfect Duchess Potatoes lies in withholding cream and butter, which although makes for good mashed potatoes, lends the Duchess variety a flat taste. The ideal potato to use is the humble Yukon Gold, owing to their buttery flavor and velvety texture, although russet potatoes work well too. The potatoes should be mashed thoroughly but without overworking them to prevent a sticky consistency.

A final note from our expert test kitchen is the suggested use of a potato ricer or food meal to ensure a smooth texture with adequate aeration. Also, while brushing the top of these treasures with butter, a light hand is advised to maintain the form of the 'peaks' and 'valleys'.

An additional convenience is the ability to prepare potato swirls up to two hours before baking or to freeze them for future use. For the frozen rosettes, simply add five additional minutes to the standard baking time.

When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 425°F, then get ready to enjoy a meal elevated with these flavorful, luxurious Duchess Potatoes – a gourmet way to turn the humble potato into a dinner showstopper.