May 30, 2009

We talk a lot about potatoes, don't we? We love our potatoes, no matter whether they're white, russet, yellow, purple, or pink!

I don't know about most people, but I've never liked keeping potatoes in the pantry. I've never bought them in such large bulk that I couldn't keep them in the vegetable bin in the frig. This is a great example of why I DON'T keep potatoes in the pantry!

Darn sprout busted right through the bag!

I don't know who put these in my pantry, but I found them today hiding behind some boxes of crackers!  Just nasty!

That's just nasty lookin!

Believe it or not, some people actually think it's okay to cook a potato that has sprouted! (Yes, I googled it.) Ick! I would have thrown up if I had even touched one of these nasty lookin' sprouts. (They look like maggots!)  No way would I consider cleaning them off and eating the potatoes.

I don't know which is worse, the fact that these disgusting ‘things' were in my pantry, or the fact that I took a picture of them to share with all of you! 🙂

But, please don't let this keep you from comin' back!  Within the next couple of days, I'll be sharing a gorgeous Summertime Fruit Salad made with the absolute freshest of fruit!

~LilSis

May 17, 2009

It seems like just last week that LilSis and I had so much good pink fun with our Pink Potatotini.  It's time already for the next Potato Ho Down, hosted this month by the creator of this fun event, Noble Pig!

When the weather warms up, I think of cool salads and I love a good potato salad.  Our family's classic potato recipe is really good, but this potato salad with a twist caught my eye in a Williams Sonoma cookbook called “Potatoes”, which isn't the same one LilSis cooked from this month.  I made a few substitutions to make this a little lower in fat.  Next time, I'll boost up the amount of basil in the pesto, and add more garlic.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
(adapted from Williams Sonoma's “Potatoes”)

1 large clove garlic
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, drained
2 Tblsp fresh basil
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 Tblsp olive oil
2 to 4 Tblsp hot water

In a small food processor, mix the garlic, tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper and olive oil until a thick paste forms.  If needed, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency.

Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Potato Salad
(adapted from Williams Sonoma's “Potatoes”)

2-1/2 lb small red potatoes

For the dressing:

1 7 oz container 2% Greek Yogurt
4 Tblsp sun-dried tomato pesto
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tblsp white wine vinegar
2 tsp mustard
2 Tblsp olive oil
2 Tblsp dill relish or capers
2 Tblsp chives, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the unpeeled potatoes in salted water until just done; don't overcook.  Drain and let cool slightly. Slip the skins off the potatoes or leave them on, depending on your preference.  Cut the potatoes into large bite size pieces, and salt lightly while warm.  Set aside and make the dressing.

Combine all of the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.  Toss with the potatoes and adjust the seasonings.  Potatoes absorb salt, so more salt may be needed.

Refrigerate for an hour or two to blend the flavors.

Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Potato Salad

This potato salad was really good!  I'm not one to eat a whole big pile of potatoes of any kind, so I served a small amount of the salad on a bed of baby spinach, with lots of grape tomatoes, a drizzle of low fat balsamic vinaigrette and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It made for a very delicious, and very summery lunch!  Give this a try for Memorial Day!

~BigSis

May 14, 2009

We had so much fun doing our Pink Potatotini for the April Potato Ho Down! It's not every day that we make pink potatoes!

I prefer either red, yellow, or purple potatoes over the russet potatoes, as was called for in this original recipe. I usually buy the 2 lb. Potato Medley from Trader Joe's that has just the right amount of each variety. Normally, I just cut them into quarters and roast with gobs of olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.  I decided to try something different this time.

And, yes, you guessed it! This recipe is my entry for the May Potato Ho Down, which is being hosted by the one and only, Noble Pig, who is one of the creators of this fun event.

To see the complete roundup of recipes from all the Potato Hos, be sure to visit Noble Pig on Wednesday, May 20th!

I should have changed the name of this recipe to Roasted Potato Slices with a Garlicky, Garlic-Rosemary Crust, because I think I tripled the amount of garlic that the original recipe called for. I found this recipe in a Williams-Sonoma Potato Cookbook. (This edition was published by Simon & Schuster.)

These potatoes were yummy! HayHay was thrilled to come home from school to a house smelling of roasted potatoes, garlic and rosemary.  They were planned as a side for dinner, but ended up being his after school snack instead! Yes, all of them! (okay…I had a couple.)

Roasted Potato Slices with a Rosemary-Garlic Crust
(adapted from Williams-Sonoma “Potato”)

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
2 lbs. of mixed red, yellow, and purple potatoes
2-3 T. Olive Oil
1 T. minced fresh rosemary, plus sprigs for garnish
3 large garlic cloves, minced (original recipe called for 1 T. minced)
1 T. Dijon mustard
1 1/2 c. fresh sourdough bread crumbs
1/2 c. firmly packed Parmesan cheese
1 large egg white, beaten until foamy

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the unpeeled whole potatoes until just tender when pierced with a small knife, about 20 minutes. Drain and let cool, then refrigerate until cold, at least 2-3 hours or up to 1 day. Peel the potatoes and cut them lengthwise into slices 1/2 inch thick. Use the center slices from each potato. (Reserve remaining slices for another use.)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spread a T. of olive oil on a baking sheet, or use nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray, if preferred.

In a heavy frying pan, heat 2 T. of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced rosemary and garlic, cover, and cook until the garlic is softened but not brown, about a minute or two. Stir in the mustard, 1/2 t. kosher salt, and 1/2 t. pepper and remove from the heat. Add the bread crumbs and toss until evenly coated. Stir in the cheese.

Arrange the potato slices on a work surface. Brush the tops generously with the egg white. Spread approximately 1 T. of the crumb mixture on each slice and press to adhere and cover evenly. Place the slices, coated side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the uncoated sides with the egg white. Spread the remaining crumb mixture on the slices, pressing to adhere.

Bake the potato slices until the coating on the bottom is crusty, about 8 – 10 minutes. Carefully slide a thin metal spatula under each slice and turn it over. Bake until brown on the second side, about 5 – 6 minutes longer. Transfer the potato slices to a platter, garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired, and serve.

Here's a glance at a serving without the purple potatoes, just in case you're not a fan of purple potatoes. But I LOVE purple potatoes. I'm not sure if it's true that they are better for you, but at least I feel less guilty eating them.

Again, these potatoes were really good, but a little messy trying to get the crust to stick properly to each side of the potato slice.  The crust was absolutely excellent! Better than I expected. I never would have thought to add dijon mustard, but it added so much flavor, combined with the garlic, cheese, and rosemary. What's not to love?

I'm already thinking of different ways to use this crust. I'm sure it would be great on top of some crispy potato skins! That way, you wouldn't have to worry about flipping the taters! Enjoy!

~LilSis

April 13, 2009

Anyone who knows us knows how much we love pink, so does it come as a surprise that our Potato Ho Down entry this month is a Pink Potatotini?

Pink Potatotini

We served the Pink Potatotinis for Easter Sunday, and had tons of pink fun with them.  We started with our Make-Ahead Potato recipe, and just added a touch of red food coloring.  We then piped them into martini glasses, added a sprinkle of chives and a couple of olives. Viola!  Pink Potatotini!

Dlyn is the host for this month's Ho Down, so be sure to visit her site on April 15th to see all of the Potato Hos and their recipes!  Thanks for hosting, Dlyn!

~BigSis

March 19, 2009

I hope you remembered to visit Evil Chef Mom yesterday to check out this month's Potato Ho Down roundup. In case you missed it, her “As the Potato Peels…The Western Episode” is a fun and creative story showcasing all of this month's Potato Ho Down entries.  Check it out!

BigSis and I were so happy that Madame Potato Ho Sparkey Marie and Madame Potato Ho Christina Shane let us join their Ho Down! The fun monthly blogging event was founded by Krysta of Evil Chef Mom and Cathy of Noble Pig.  We love both of their blogs!

Thanks to both of you for letting us join your fun!

~LilSis

March 15, 2009

As long as we're talking about potatoes and St. Patrick's Day, I decided to do one more Irish recipe before the holiday.  I'm making the Ham and Potato Pancakes that I just discussed in my St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas post a few days ago. This comes from a little cookbook called Irish Food, Fun, and Crafts.

And, yes, I too am entering my recipe into the Potato Ho Down being hosted this month by Evil Chef Mom.

To participate in this fun event hosted the third Wednesday of each month, each entry must have a Potato Ho name. Since this is my first time to submit an entry, I'm making a big deal about announcing my Potato Ho name!

Drum roll, please… My Potato Ho name is Madame Potato Ho Frosty Gay. (And no, I didn't just pull that out of a hat. There is a method to the madness.) You can read all the rules about this monthly blogging event on Potato Ho Down or on Noble Pig.

Now, for Madame Potato Ho Frosty Gay's recipe.

Madame Potato Ho Frosty Gay Ham and Potato Pancakes

3/4 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, grated, and squeezed dry (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions, green parts only
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup finely chopped cooked ham (4 -5 ounces)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
2 -3 T. vegetable oil

First, combine grated potatoes, green onions, and eggs in large bowl, mix well.  Add ham, flour, salt, and pepper; mix well.

Heat 2 T. oil in large heavy bottomed skillet. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls and press with back of spoon to flatten. Cook over medium-high heat 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Remove to paper towels to drain. Add remaining 1 T. of oil, if necessary, to cook remaining batter. Serve pancakes warm.

This is an easy recipe and the pancakes turned out really nice. It's a great little appetizer to serve at your St. Patrick's Day Party. And, my family loved them for breakfast. I made SirHoney one the size of the skillet!

Don't forget to check Evil Chef Mom's site on Wednesday, March 18th for the complete March Potato Ho Down Roundup!

~LilSis

March 14, 2009

You probably know that it's almost St Patrick's Day, but did you know that it's also Potato Ho Down time too?  I bet you didn't!

I was thinking about the two events, and two words came to mind:  green potatoes!  That's right, you heard me correctly…green potatoes.  And no green food coloring is involved; just good edible ingredients.

I browsed my cookbook collection for an idea, and thumbed through “Savoring the Day: Recipes and Remedies to Enhance your Natural Rhythms” by Judith Benn Hurley.   It's mostly vegetarian, and a little bit hippy-dippy, but it' a pretty good cookbook, although it's out of print now.  I found one of her lunch recipes called Dilled Potato Pie, which is supposed to be calming.  I figured we could all use more calm, and the recipe fit my criteria of green and potatoes so away I went.  I made a few changes and here's what I came up with.  My entry in this month's Potato Ho Down is Madame Potato Ho Wolfie Lee's Dilled Potato Pie!

Green Potatoes with Pesto

Madame Potato Ho Wolfie Lee's Dilled Potato Pie
(adapted from “Savoring the Day” by Judith Benn Hurley)

2 pounds red potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/2 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, pressed
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided usage
1/4 cup milk
1-1/2 cups watercress leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
2 tablespoons fresh chives, snipped
3 eggs, lightly beaten
6 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the sliced potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water.  Add a big dash of salt, and boil until completely tender, about 15 minutes, depending on how thick the slices are.  While the potatoes are cooking, saute the onion and pressed garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil until translucent.

When the potatoes are tender, drain them and add them to a large bowl.  Mash them with the milk and 2 tablespoons olive oil.  Add the cooked onions and garlic, watercress, parsley, dill, chives, eggs, parmesan, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Spray a pie dish with non-stick spray, and spoon the potato mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top.  Bake until hot throughout and beginning to brown, about 40-45 minutes.   Serve hot with pesto or a pat of butter.

Green Potatoes with Butter

I have to say I was skeptical about this recipe…I was afraid it would be too bland, or just look too “Kermit-the-Frog-in-a-blender”.  Sorry for that visual, Kermie fans.  I'm a fairly adventurous cook though, so I plowed through and resisted the temptation to substitute spinach for the watercress.  The only time I've ever had watercress was raw in the vegetarian chef salad at Cafe Express; I've never had it cooked or even bought it fresh.  I was very pleasantly surprised though.  I didn't get a watercress flavor at all.  All of the flavors blended together very harmoniously, but mildly.

The pie was really delicious!  I liked it with a pat of real butter on top (you are dealing with mashed potatoes, after all), but it was equally good with a drizzle of pesto over it or sitting in a pool of pesto with more parmesan sprinkled around.  I think this recipe could be modified to accommodate any flavors you like: different cheeses, adding hot sauce, or substituting other herbs.  You could also play with adding other vegetables to the potatoes, including spinach, broccoli, asparagus, corn, whatever you like!  But do try the watercress!  And do remember it for your St Patrick's Day menu if you need an unusual side dish.

Green Potatoes: Over the Top!

See the complete collection of March's Potato Ho Down dishes hosted by Evil Chef Mom on March 18th.  For more info on the monthly Potato Ho event, get the scoop at Noble Pig.  And don't be afraid of eating green potatoes!

~BigSis