Who Invented Smashed Potatoes?

Suddenly smashed potatoes are everywhere. 

And recipes for them are in the 100s of thousands, including, I hear, a Martha Stewart version.

Well, here's the simplest and a sure winning recipe I found.

Boil yellow or red potatoes until fully cooked (about 35 minutes).

Arrange a couple of layers of dry cloth and lay the cooked potatoes on them.

With a folded towel, gently press down on each with the palm of your hand to flatten to about 0.5 inch.

Cover a baking sheet with foil paper and a sheet of parchment paper on top of that (no idea why you need both, but it worked, so don't question this).

Transfer the flattened potatoes on baking sheet and let cool to room temperature (if they break while transferring, not a big deal, stick them together).

Sprinkle with salt and a Tbsp of olive oil for each. 

Lift them to make sure oil goes underneath them. Bake in a 450 oven (or 400 convection) for 30 to 40 minutes.

Turn over once half-way through cooking.

Enjoy.