This dish certainly makes very different and attractive presentation — it's almost as impressive as the flavor.

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice potatoes into ¼″ slices.

• Using 1½ tablespoons of the margarine, coat the bottom of a large, heavy oven-proof skillet. Place half the potato slices so they overlap, covering a 5" by 5" area. Arrange the remaining potato slices in another cluster following the same overlapping arrangement.

• Sprinkle with salt, freshly ground pepper, and shallots. Top each cluster with remaining margarine and a fresh thyme sprig. Place a salmon fillet on top of each potato cluster with skin side up. Place skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 5 minutes without disturbing.

• Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake for about 14 minutes, watching closely so potatoes don' scorch. Remove from oven when potatoes are golden and salmon is pale pink.

• At serving time, use a metal spatula to flip each salmon cluster over so potatoes are on top. Garnish with remaining thyme sprigs. Serve warm.