Bacon & Potato Cakes

Step 1: In a saucepan filled with boiling salted water add the potatoes and bring water back to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain and then put potatoes back in pan; cover with a dish towel for a few minutes.

Step 2: While potatoes are cooking cook the bacon in a skillet over medium high heat for 5-10 minutes or until crisp; drain on paper towels and set side 4 of the bacon strips and keep warm. Chop the remaining bacon.

Step 3: Mash potatoes with the butter, salt and pepper and then stir in the chopped bacon, chives, oats and egg.

Step 4: With floured hands for the potato mixture into 4 flat cakes (2 1/2 inch in diameter).

Step 5: In a saucepan or skillet over medium heat, heat 1/2 inch of oil and then add the potato cakes and cook for 3-5 minutes per side or until golden.

Step 6: Transfer potato cakes to serving plates and top with watercress (if desired) and reserved bacon strips.