Potato and Kale Pancakes

Any given night there may be 10 or more individuals to sit down at our table for supper. This recipe made up plenty and all of us felt full.

One thing of important not is to let it cool down just a bit before enjoying.  

2 pounds russet potatoes (about 6), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 leek (white and light-green parts only), halved lengthwise, rinsed well, and thinly sliced
1 bunch kale (3/4 pound), tough stems and ribs removed, leaves coarsely chopped
1/2 pound bacon, diced medium
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

In a large pot, bring potatoes to a boil in salted water over high, then reduce to a rapid simmer. Add leek and kale and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 10 minutes. Drain; transfer to a large bowl.
In a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium-high until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to bowl with vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. With a fork, mash potato mixture until a few lumps remain. With your hands, form into 12 - 16 patties.
Pour off fat from skillet and wipe clean; add butter and melt over medium. In batches, cook cakes until golden on both sides, about 6 minutes, flipping once.

COST: $5.88         COST PER SERVING (6): $0.98
With arugula salad:    $1.38