Potato – Page 3 – Kristen's Recipes

Autumn Baked Eggs

February 19, 2017 Kristen

1 lb. bite-sized tricolor potatoes (or any other potatoes!)
1 medium sweet potato (orange or white)
1 large yellow onion
1 apple (I used honey crisp)
10 oz. breakfast sausages (meat or vegan)
2-3 T. vegetable oil
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. paprika
eggs (1-2 per person)

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Dice your potatoes and the apple into about 1-inch chunks. Dice the onion. If using meat sausage, lightly brown it in a sauté pan first so it is not raw. Slice the sausages into 1/2-inch pieces. Place the sausage, potatoes, apple and onion in a large mixing bowl. Add the vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and paprika and stir to combine and evenly mix all the ingredients. Add the potato mixture to a large over-proof skillet or sheet pan. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring the potatoes in between. After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and carefully create a small well in the potatoes for each egg.* Crack one egg in each well, keeping the yolk intact, and return the pan to the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the whites are solid but the yolks are not. Serve immediately. *If you prefer not to bake your eggs, return the potatoes for another 10-15 minutes and cook your eggs as desired on the stovetop.

Skillet Hash & Eggs

February 11, 2017 Kristen

3 russet or Yukon gold potatoes (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound kielbasa, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
1 large sweet onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds or dill seed
8 large eggs
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 scallions, sliced

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Pierce the potatoes in a few places with a fork and microwave until almost tender, about 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Let cool slightly, then peel and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Heat the butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa and cook, stirring, until it starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the onion and caraway seeds and cook until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the potatoes, then flatten the hash into an even layer, pressing gently with a spatula. Cook undisturbed until crunchy and browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Flip the hash in sections and cook until browned on the other side, about 5 more minutes. Remove from the heat. Using a spoon, make 4 shallow indentations in the hash and crack 2 eggs into each. Transfer to the oven and bake until the egg whites set, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and top with the parsley and scallions.

Herbed Swiss Rösti (Hashbrowns) with Fried Egg

January 12, 2017 Kristen

4 large potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds)
3 garlic cloves (or 1 small Spring garlic), minced
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/2 C. parsley leaves, roughly chopped
pastured ghee (or lard, tallow, duck fat, or coconut oil)
sea salt
black pepper
4 eggs, preferably pastured

A couple of hours, or the night before you would like to serve, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and parboil until just tender, but not too soft. Remove them from the pot and allow to cool before refrigerating for a couple hours or overnight. Peel the potatoes and grate them on the large grating side of a box grater. Preheat a large sauté pan on medium heat. Melt about 1 T. ghee, making sure to coat the pan. Add the garlic and onions and stir continuously until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, 3/4 of the parsley, and sea salt and black pepper to taste and mix gently. Pat down the potatoes until they form an even and flat round. Cook until the bottom of the rösti is well browned, and easy to peel off the pan, about 6-8 minutes. Top the pan with a large plate, turn the pan over until the rösti slides out. Add more ghee to the pan, and return the rösti , browned side up, to the pan to brown the other side, another 6-8 minutes. While the second side of the rösti is browning, preheat a large sauté pan on medium. Melt about 2 T. ghee, making sure to coat the entire pan. Crack the eggs into the pan and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, to taste. Fry the eggs until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to desired doneness, about 2 minutes for a soft egg. Remove the rösti i from the oven, top with the rest of the parsley, and serve immediately with the eggs on top and any vegetable side dishes. If the rösti sticks to the bottom of the pan, and is difficult to flip, simply brown the bottom before broiling the top in the oven for a few minutes.

Merguez Sausages with Scalloped Potatoes

December 30, 2016 Kristen

1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 pounds fresh merguez (spicy beef; see notes) or lamb sausages
1 onion (about 8 oz.), peeled and slivered lengthwise
5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
2 cups whipping cream
About 1 1/4 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper
4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
Chopped parsley

In a 10- to 12-inch ovenproof frying pan (with sides at least 2 1/2 in. tall) over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add sausages and turn until browned all over, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Reduce heat to medium, add onion and garlic to pan, and stir occasionally until slightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Pour in cream and 1 1/4 cups broth; stir in salt and pepper. Add potatoes. (Liquid should just cover; if it doesn’t, add more broth.) Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, gently stirring occasionally. Lower heat and barely simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender when pierced, about 20 minutes (do not boil). Arrange sausages on potato mixture and transfer pan to a 350° oven. Bake until cream mixture has thickened and is well browned on top and sausages are cooked through (cut to test), 40 to 45 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve potatoes and sausages from pan.

Sheet Pan Suppers: Baked Baby Back Ribs & Potatoes

October 18, 2016 Kristen

1 T. Dijon Mustard
1 tsp. Liquid Smoke (optional)
3 T. Dark Brown Sugar
1 ½ T. Garlic Powder
2 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Sweet or Smoked Paprika
2 tsp. dry Mustard
1 tsp. Cumin
¼ tsp. Cayenne
4 lb. Baby Back Ribs, trimmed of silverskin
1 lb. medium size Yukon Gold Potatoes, unpeeled, scrubbed and quartered
1 T. EVOO
1 tsp. Old Bay
¾ C. BBQ Sauce, plus extra for serving

Preheat oven to 325 with one rack about 4 inches from broiler and another rack in center position. Place dijon in small bowl, add liquid smoke; stir to combine. In another small bowl, whisk together sugar, garlic powder, salt paprika, dry mustard, cumin, and cayenne. Brush both sides of the ribs with the Dijon, and sprinkle with the spice mixture to coat. Pat spices into the meat so it sticks. Wrap tightly in foil and place them in the center of a sheet pan. Combine potatoes, oil, and old bay in a bowl and toss to coat. Place potatoes around the packet of ribs. Bake for 90 minutes, gently flipping the package and stirring the potatoes halfway through cooking. Carefully transfer the package of ribs to a platter or another sheet pan and remove foil. Return ribs, without foil, to the center of the pan in a single layer, meaty side up. Brush them with BBQ sauce. Bake until knife slides easily into the thickest part of the meat, an additional 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the potatoes. If they are getting too dark, remove to a serving bowl and cover with foil to keep warm. When ribs are knife tender, remove potatoes to a bowl and cover with foil. Turn oven to broil and broil the ribs on the top rack until slightly charred in spots, about 3 minutes. Allow ribs to rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve with potatoes and extra BBQ sauce.

Aloo Gobi Tart Recipe

March 22, 2016 Kristen

2 cup Cauliflower florets
2 Potatoes (medium size)
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
1/2 cup finely chopped Onion
1/4 cup finely chopped Tomato
3 teaspoon Canola Oil (or any cooking oil)
1/4 teaspoon Cumin Seeds / Jeera
2 Cardamon pods
1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri Chili Powder or red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon Cumin Powder
1/2 teaspoon Coriander Powder
1/4 teaspoon Garam masala
2 teaspoon Yogurt
2 cup + 4 teaspoon Water
Salt to taste
1 Puff Pastry Sheet (preferably Pepperidge farm), substitute with home made or store bought pie crust
1/4 tablespoon Butter (Optional)
2 tsp Dried fenugreek leaves / Kasuri Methi (Optional)

Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a baking tray with wax/parchment paper or foil. Brush it with butter/oil. Place 1 frozen puff pastry sheet on it and allow it to thaw. Wash cauliflower florets. In a sauce pan, add 2 cup of water, 1/2 tsp salt. Bring it to boil. Turn off and add the cauliflower florets. Let it stand for couple of minutes. This step will cleanse the cauliflower. In another sauce pan, boil Potatoes until it is 95% cooked (fork tender). I prefer to steam the potatoes. I cut them into equal size chunks and put it in my steamer for 5-6 minutes. In a wok/kadai, add oil. When it is hot add cumin seeds and allow it to sizzle. Add cardamon, finely chopped ginger. Add onion. Sauté until it turns translucent, for 2-3 minutes on medium flame.
Then add tomato, 1/2 tsp salt and sauté for another 3 minutes or until it becomes mushy. Add turmeric powder, chili powder, kashmiri chili powder, sauté. Add 2-4 tsp water to prevent it from sticking. Add cumin powder, coriander powder and sauté. Add 2 tsp yogurt, potato and cauliflower. Mix well. Adjust salt as per taste. Then add garam masala, mix and close the kadai with a lid and let it simmer for couple of minutes. This will allow the flavors to marry well. Do not forget to stir in between to avoid sticking to the pan. Open the lid, if there is any liquid left cook for couple of minutes until the water evaporates. Turn off and allow it to cool.
Place the baking tray in oven and bake the puff pastry sheet for 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and reduce the temperature to 350 F. Spread the Aloo Gobhi Masala on the tart. Add few swirls of butter and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Serve it hot.

Sheet Pan Supper: Salisbury Steak & Potatoes

March 21, 2016 Kristen

1 small onion
6-7 small red potatoes, golf ball sized
2 tablespoons canola oil
salt and pepper
8 ounces lean ground beef
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Thinly slice the onion into half-moon shapes by peeling it, then slicing it once from root to tip. Lay the flat side of the onion down, then slice thinly. Place onions on the bottom of a small sheet pan that has a lip around the edge. Don’t let the oil and meat juices drip off in the oven, it could start a fire: use a rimmed baking sheet! I used a quarter sheet pan. Next, dice the potatoes into 6 pieces each, and add to the sheet pan. Toss the onions and potatoes with the canola oil and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Next, in a small bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper. Mix well with your hands, but don’t over mix. Form two oblong shaped patties with the meat.. Bake for 30 minutes, and serve hot.

Cheddar Potato Puff

January 19, 2016 Kristen

8 cups potatoes, hot, mashed or riced
4 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 scant teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup shredded sharp or mild Cheddar cheese
4 green onions, thinly sliced

Mash hot mashed potatoes with butter, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, cheese, and onions. Beat until well blended. Pile into a buttered 2 to 2 1/2-quart baking dish. Bake at 350° for 35 to 45 minutes, or until puffed and nicely browned.

Crispy Pan-Roasted Fennel Potatoes

January 1, 2016 Kristen

1 1/2 lb. Waxy potatoes, peeled, boiled and rinsed
1 small fennel bulb, very thinly sliced, the green chopped, for the topping
1 1/2 tablespoons fennel seeds
olive oil
sea salt
black peppercorns, crushed in a mortar

Let the potatoes cool and dry on a wire rack for at least 1 hour or a day and cut them into thick slices. In a large heavy pan, heat a generous splash of olive oil and fry the potatoes on medium-high for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Cook them in batches and turn them one by one with a fork to keep their shape. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a splash of olive oil in another pan and cook the fennel seeds on medium heat for 1 minute (they shouldn’t get dark). Pull the pan off the heat, take just the seeds out with a tablespoon and set them aside. Put the pan back on and add the fennel slices, sauté them on medium for about 1 minute on each side without getting dark, they should be al dente. Gently mix the roasted potatoes, fennel seeds and slices in the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste, serve immediately.

Baked Oven Fries

September 14, 2015 Kristen

3 russet potatoes (about 24 oz. total), peeled and cut lengthwise into even sized wedges
5 T. vegetable, canola or peanut oil, divided
¾ tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

Preheat the oven to 475˚ F. Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl. Cover with hot water; soak for 10-30 minutes. Put 4 tablespoons of the oil onto a heavy, rimmed baking sheet. Tilt the sheet side to side to evenly coat the pan with oil (a pastry brush can also help with this). Sprinkle the pan evenly with the salt and pepper. Set aside. Drain the potatoes. Spread the wedges out on layers of paper towels or on clean kitchen towels. Pat dry with additional towels. Wipe out the now empty bowl so it is dry. Return the potatoes to the bowl and toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Arrange the potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 5 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the bottoms of the potatoes are spotty golden brown, 15-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet after 10 minutes. Using a metal spatula and tongs, flip each potato wedge keeping them in a single layer. Continue baking until the fries are golden and crisp, 5 -15 minutes. Rotate the pan as needed to ensure even browning. When the fries are finished baking, transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain some of the grease. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Potatoes in Garlicky Chard Broth

July 13, 2015 Kristen

1 pound small potatoes of your choice, scrubbed
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bunch chard, stems removed
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Put the potatoes in a large saucepan, add cold water to cover by an inch and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until potatoes are fork tender, about 10-12 minutes depending on their size. Drain and halve the potatoes if large and set aside while you prepare the broth. Add the finely chopped garlic along with the tablespoon of olive oil over low heat to a large skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the garlic starts to sizzle and becomes fragrant. Roughly chop the chard and add to the pan along with ½ cup of the stock. Cook for 2-3 minutes or just until the chard starts to wilt. Add the chard to the bowl of a food processor or blender and pulse until the chard is finely chopped. Add the potatoes and chard mixture back to the skillet along with the remaining ½ cup of stock and the lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the potatoes are heated through. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Cast Iron Potatoes

March 28, 2015 Kristen

Cast Iron Potatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large baking potatoes

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush bottom and sides of a baking dish or cast iron skillet with olive oil. Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, slice potatoes crosswise into desired thickness. Arrange potato slices vertically and loosely in prepared dish or skillet. Sprinkle garlic and Italian seasoning on top of potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Dot potatoes with butter. Cover skillet or dish with foil and bake for about 1 hour or until potatoes are tender. Remove foil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes or until crisp.

Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes

March 11, 2015 Kristen

Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes

1 yellow onion, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 C. 2% milk

8 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into Vs-inch-thick slices

¾ C. grated sharp cheddar cheese

3 T. panko bread crumbs

Set the Instant Pot to “sauté, medium heat.” Add the onion, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper and sauté for 5 minutes, until the onion starts to soften. Add the milk and set the rack and steamer basket in the pot. Place the potatoes in the steamer basket. Cover and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Preheat the broiler. Quick-release the pressure. Carefully lift the steamer basket (use oven mitts) out of the pot. Spread the potatoes in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Hit “cancel.” Remove the rack from the pot and add 1/2 C. of the cheese to the milk. Stir together until the cheese melts, then pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 C. cheese and the panko over the top of the potatoes. Broil for 5 minutes and serve.

Leek & Potato Gratin with Smoked Salmon and Brie

February 8, 2015 Kristen

Canola oil cooking spray
1 1/2 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 1/2 pounds medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into (1/4-inch) thick slices
2 medium leeks, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 (4 ounce) package Smoked Salmon
1 (4.4 ounce) wheel Brie, cut into small cubes

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil. In a bowl, whisk together milk, flour, salt and pepper. Layer half of the potatoes in the dish, top with half of the leeks and dot with half of the Brie. Pour over half of the milk mixture and arrange salmon slices over the top. Repeat with remaining potatoes, leeks, Brie and milk mixture. Cover with foil (sprayed with oil) and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until liquid is absorbed and potatoes are golden, about 20 minutes more. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Easy Mashed Potatoes

January 19, 2015 Kristen

Easy Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced ½ inch thick

¾ tsp. table salt, plus salt for cooking potatoes

¾ cup half-and-half

6 T. unsalted butter

½ tsp. pepper

Place potatoes and 1 T. salt in large saucepan, add water to cover by 1 inch, and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender and paring knife can be easily slipped in and out of potatoes, 18 to 22 minutes. Meanwhile, combine half-and-half and butter in 2-cup liquid measuring cup and microwave, covered, until butter is melted and mixture is warm to touch, about 2 minutes. Drain potatoes and return them to saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until potatoes are thoroughly dried, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and, using potato masher, mash potatoes until smooth and no lumps remain. Stir in half-and-half mixture, ¾ tsp. salt, and pepper until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

German Potato Soup

October 14, 2014 Kristen

1 onion, chopped
1 leek, trimmed and diced
2 carrots, diced
1 cup chopped cabbage
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
4 cups beef broth
1 pound potatoes, diced
1 bay leaf
1 to 2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon salt, optional
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup sour cream

Combine all ingredients except bacon and sour cream. Cover. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 to 5 hours. Remove bay leaf. Use a slotted spoon to remove potatoes. Mash potatoes and mix with sour cream. Return to slow cooker. Stir. Add bacon and mix thoroughly.

Peruvian Causa with Potato, Crabmeat and Avocado

October 7, 2014 Kristen

3/4 pound new potatoes, scrubbed
1 1/2 teaspoon Creole mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Spanish sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
1 cup corn kernels, blanched in boiling water for 1 minute
1/2 cup inner celery ribs, rinsed and finely chopped
1 cup crabmeat
1 Hass avocado
1/4 cup olives, Niçoise or arbequina, pitted and chopped
1 tomato, skinned, seeded and chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
Cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced

Place the potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 30 minutes. Drain and chill. Whisk the mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, oil, Tabasco sauce and thyme together in a bowl. Peel the potatoes and dice into 1/4-inch cubes. Combine diced potatoes, corn, celery and crabmeat. Toss with dressing. Gently fold in avocado, olives and tomato. Season with salt and pepper. Top with the chopped chives.

Indian Spiced Potatoes

September 14, 2014 Kristen

Notes: Start preparing these sweet-hot garlicky potatoes from expert Indian cook Hema Alur-Kundargi (through step 2) about 2 hours ahead so they can marinate in the sauce. Scoop the potatoes into the chapatis or whole-wheat tortillas to eat like burritos; for appetizer portions, cut the bread into wedges and use them to scoop up the potatoes.

2 pounds thin-skinned potatoes

1/4 cup minced garlic

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon pav-bhaji masala, purchased or homemade (recipe below)

Salt

Indian red chili powder or cayenne

Chopped fresh cilantro

8 chapatis or whole-wheat tortillas (7 in.)

Peel potatoes and cut into 3/4-inch chunks. In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 quart water and the potatoes to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until potatoes are almost tender when pierced, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and return to pan.

Meanwhile, in a 6- to 8-inch frying pan over medium heat, stir garlic in oil until it begins to turn golden, about 2 minutes. Add ketchup, pav-bhaji masala, and salt and chili powder to taste. Add the seasoned ketchup to potatoes and mix to coat. Cover and let stand about 1 1/2 hours.

Pour potatoes into a 10- by 15-inch nonstick baking pan. Bake in a 375° regular or convection oven, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender when pierced, 10 to 15 minutes. Scrape into a bowl and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with chapatis.

Pav-bhaji masala: In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, and 1/4 teaspoon each ground cardamom and ground pepper.

Parsnip & Potato Homefries

August 26, 2014 Kristen

1 lb. Potatoes

1 lb. Parsnips

1/4 C. EVOO

1-2 bunches Scallions, diced

1/2 tsp. Pepper

1 tsp. Paprika

1 tsp. Salt

In medium saucepan, bring 2 inches of water to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and parsnips; cut them into 1/2 inch cubes and add them to the boiling water. Boil 5-10 minutes, or until tender; drain well. In a 12 inch skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add onion and cook 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add potatoes, parsnips and seasonings. Cook 5 to 10 minutes over medium high heat, stirring frequently, until vegetables are golden brown.

Microwave Potato Chips

August 1, 2014 Kristen

1 1/3 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, unpeeled, scrubbed

2 teaspoons or so of extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking spray

Slice potatoes into 1/8-inch rounds for thicker potato chips. For thinner ones, use a mandolin to cut very thin slices. Toss slices in a medium bowl with oil and salt to coat evenly. Coat a large microwave-proof plate with cooking spray. Arrange some potato slices in a single layer on the plate. Microwave, uncovered, on High until some slices start to brown, 2 to 3 minutes (depending upon potato thickness and microwave power). Turn slices over (they will be hot, so take care with your fingers) and continue microwaving until they start to crisp and brown around the edges, about 35 seconds for very thin potato slices to 2 to 4 minutes for thicker slices. Check frequently and rearrange slices as needed to prevent scorching. Transfer chips to another plate and allow to cool completely. (They will crisp up more as they cool.) Repeat process with remaining slices.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

(makes 4 servings, 12-14 chips each)

Per serving: 141 calories; 2 g fat (0 g saturated; 2 g monosaturated); 0 mg cholesterol; 26 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 291 mg sodium; 807 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Potassium (27 percent daily value)

Potato Pancakes with Chorizo & Leeks

June 15, 2014 Kristen

½ lb. Chorizo sausage, chopped fine
Extra virgin olive oil as needed
1 Leek, dark green parts removed, finely chopped and rinsed
2 Eggs
1 tsp. Kosher salt
½ tsp. Black pepper
2 lb. Russet potatoes, washed and grated on food processor, wrapped in a towel and all moisture squeezed out
½ cup All-purpose flour
Chives, chopped to taste

Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet and add the chorizo sausage. Cook, breaking up large clumps, until brown; remove from the skillet and reserve. Add the leeks to the skillet and sauté over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, or until soft. In a small bowl, combine the eggs, salt, and pepper; stir. Combine the potatoes, sausage, and leeks in a large bowl; add the flour and egg mixture and stir. Form round pancakes and place on a parchment lined sheet pan to chill for 1 hour. Wipe out your skillet and add about 1-inch of olive oil; turn the heat to medium high. When hot, fry the pancakes for about 2 minutes on the first side, pressing to flatten. Flip and cook for another minute. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in the oven while you fry the rest.

Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Stir-Fried Beef & Potatoes)

June 13, 2014 Kristen

Peanut Oil for Frying
1 lb. Yellow Peruvian Potatos, cut into Batons

2 lb. Filet Mignon, cut into strips
4 T. Peanut Oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

Red Onion, quartered
4 Tomatoes, quartered
1 Aji Amarillo Pepper, seeded, veined and julienned
1 T. Roastde Garlic Paste

2 T. Sugar Cane Vinegar
4 T. Soy Sauce
2 T. Oyster Sauce
½ C. Beef Stock

2 C. cooked white rice, for serving
½ C. diced Scallions, for serving
3 T. chopped Cilantro, for serving

Heat the peanut oil in a pan or wok adequate frying. Fry the potatoes until golden brown; remove and drain on paper towels. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat the wok over high heat; add the peanut oil and once the oil is smoking, add the meat. Sear the meat in the flames from the fire until the meat is evenly browned; remove the meat from the wok. . Return the wok to the cook top; sear the onion, tomatoes, and ají amarillo. Season with garlic paste. Once the ingredients are seared, return the meat to the wok and cook with vinegar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and beef stock until reduced, about one minute. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with the cilantro and scallions. Serve with the fried potatoes and white rice.

Red Flannel Hash

June 6, 2014 Kristen

2 medium beets, peeled and cut in 1/2 inch dice

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2 inch dice

2 small red potatoes, cut in 1/2 inch dice, but do not peel

1 medium yellow onion, diced

4 Tbsp butter , or olive oil, divided

1/2 lb cooked corned beef, roast beef, or pastrami, diced (I used pastrami from the deli counter)

fresh thyme

salt and pepper , to taste

parsley , for garnish

Put the beets in one saucepan and the sweet potatoes and red potatoes in another. Cover with cold water and boil over high heat until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. The beets will take slightly longer than the potatoes. Drain and set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for a few minutes, until translucent. Add in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the beef, and vegetables. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and let cook until browned on the bottom. Flip the hash and let brown on the other side. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley. You can also top with a fried or poached egg.

Melt in Your Mouth Oven Roasted Potatoes

April 24, 2014 Kristen

1 T. olive oil

1/2 lb. hickory smoked, thick sliced bacon

3 1/2 lb. Yukon Gold Potatoes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated

Coarse salt

Fresh ground pepper

Fresh parsley

Scrub potatoes and place in a large pot. Fill pot with water until potatoes are covered by 2-3 inches of water. Bring water to a boil and cook for 12-15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. My potatoes were fairly large, so this took close to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, partially freeze bacon for easier cutting. (Ten minutes in the freezer works well.) Slice bacon strips in half, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces. I like to cut my bacon prior to cooking. It’s easier to work with in the skillet and easy to drain with slotted spoon. Cook bacon in a skillet until golden, but still flexible. You don’t want it crunchy. Remove cooked bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve the bacon drippings. Check potatoes and if fork tender, drain and allow to cool. If making this recipe again, I would peel the potatoes before I boiled them or try leaving the skins on all-together. Yukon Golds have a relatively thin skin, so I think this would have added a nice look and texture to the potatoes. While potatoes are cooling, preheat the oven to 425° and mince the garlic and parsley. Also, grate the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Next, prepare the baking sheet by brushing 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half the bacon drippings on the bottom of the pan. I used a fairly large cookie sheet for this and it worked well. Once the potatoes are cool, peel and cut in half, or quarter if potatoes are large. Place cut side down on prepared pan and sprinkle with coarse salt and fresh ground pepper. Place in 425° oven for 35-40 minutes. Rotate potatoes halfway through the baking time to ensure an even color. I did not do this and some of mine were more golden than others. Reduce temperature to 375°, turn potatoes over and sprinkle with the bacon, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Add more salt and pepper if desired. Return to oven for an additional 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are evenly browned and cheese is melted. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Makes 4-6 servings, depending on serving size. Serve immediately!

Garlicky Roasted New Potatoes with Balsamic Vinegar

March 22, 2014 Kristen

1/2 C. extra virgin Olive Oil

4 cloves Garlic, crushed

3 3″ sprigs fresh Rosemary

9 medium red skinned New Potatoes (2 1/2 lb.), cut into 1″ chunks

1 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Pepper

2 T. Balsamic Vinegar

In a small saucepan over low heat, cook the oil and garlic until the garlic begins to color. Do not brown the garlic. Remove from heat and add the rosemary. Cover and let steep 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Strain the oil into a roasting pan large enough to hold the potatoes in one layer. Add the potatoes, salt and pepper and toss well to coat the potatoes completely. Bake in the top one-third of the oven, scraping up and turning the potatoes occasionally with a metal spatula, until the potatoes are crispy and tender, approximately 50 minutes. Sprinkle with the vinegar and toss; bake 5 minutes longer. Serve immediately.

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Wild Mushroom Ragout with a Spinach Potato Cake

March 7, 2014 Kristen

2 T. olive oil

2 C. assorted sliced wild mushrooms

2 T. minced shallots

1/2 C. chopped tomatoes, seeded and peeled

1/4 C. chopped green onions

1 T. minced garlic

2/3 C. mushroom broth

2 T. butter

Salt and pepper

Spinach Potato Cake:

1/2 C. chopped and blanched spinach

1 C. mashed potatoes

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

Salt and pepper

1/2 C. seasoned flour

1 egg, beaten

1/2 C. seasoned bread crumbs

1/2 C. olive oil for frying

Essence

Garnish: 2 T. chopped parsley, 2 T. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and 2 long chives

For the ragout: In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil. Add the mushrooms and shallots and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, green onions and garlic and continue sautéing for 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the mushroom broth to the sautéed mixture and reduce by half. Finish with the butter and re-season. For the potato cakes: In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, potatoes and garlic together. Season with salt and pepper. Portion the mixture into 2 oz. cakes. Dredge the cakes in the seasoned flour. Dip into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Coat each cake completely with the seasoned bread crumbs. In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil. When the pan is smoking hot, add the cakes. Sauté until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the cakes over and continue sautéing until golden brown. Remove from pan and drain on a paper-lined plate. Season with Essence. Spoon the ragout in the center of the plate. Place the cakes in the center of the ragout. Garnish with chopped parsley, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and long chives.

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Roast Chicken Thighs with Potatoes, Artichokes and Lemon

March 3, 2014 Kristen

3 T. olive oil (divided)

5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of any fat

Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Dried basil, to taste

15 frozen artichoke hearts, thawed

15 fingerling potatoes, sliced in half lengthwise

1-2 cloves of garlic, sliced into thin slivers

Zest of one lemon and the juice

1 lemon sliced into thin slices

2 T. chicken broth (not pictured)

1 T. fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)

Heat a pot of water over high heat until it’s boiling. Slice the fingerling potatoes down the center lengthwise then add them to the boiling water to par cook for 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat and drain water. Add the garlic slivers, lemon zest, lemon slices, artichoke hearts and 1 T. of olive oil to the potatoes. Season with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste, set aside. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Season the trimmed chicken thighs with sea salt, fresh cracked pepper and dried basil to taste. Heat 1 T. of olive oil in an OVEN PROOF SKILLET over medium high heat. Once VERY HOT add the chicken thighs and cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Turn the chicken over and remove from heat. Add the potato and artichoke heart mixture to the pan. Place the skillet in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Mix 1 T. of olive oil, juice of one lemon and 2 T. of chicken broth in a bowl. Season with dried basil, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Remove skillet from the oven and pour the lemon juice mixture over the top of everything. Let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes before cutting. Enjoy.

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Herb-Baked Chicken Breasts with Red Onions & Potatoes

February 24, 2014 Kristen

3 T. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 T. minced fresh rosemary leaves or 11/2 tsp. dried

¼ C. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 dried red chili pepper, crumbled

4 large (11/2 lb.) Yukon Gold or red-skinned potatoes

2 whole chicken breasts, with skin, split

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 large (1-lb.) red onion, cut into thin wedges

3 T. balsamic vinegar

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Pour 1 T. oil into an ovenproof casserole that will hold chicken breasts in a single layer without crowding. Thoroughly coat sides and bottom of casserole with oil. In a small dish, combine garlic, rosemary, parsley and chili pepper; set aside. Cut potatoes lengthwise into thick slices; arrange over bottom of casserole. Season undersides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Loosen skin and push some of the herb mixture between skin and flesh of each breast. Place breasts, skin side up, over potatoes. Tuck onion wedges around and between chicken pieces. Sprinkle chicken with vinegar; season generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle on remaining oil. Bake chicken, basting often, until browned and cooked through and potatoes are done, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

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Beef & Beer Stew

February 9, 2014 Kristen

5lb beef brisket, cut into 2″ cubes
Salt and pepper
1 stick butter
4lb onions, sliced
6 T. flour
1 12oz bottle dark beer
3 C. beef broth
3lb yellow potatoes, such as Yukon gold, peeled
1 C. milk

Preheat oven to 325. Season the brisket with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy skillet, melt 1 teaspoon butter over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the brisket and cook 8 minutes; transfer to a large Dutch oven and reserve the skillet. Add 2 teaspoons butter to the skillet. Add one-third of the onions and cook over medium heat until softened; push to the side of the pan. Repeat with the remaining onions, then cook over medium heat, stirring, until browned, about 8 minutes more. Transfer to the Dutch oven. Add 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet, over medium heat; add the flour and cook, stirring, until the mixture is golden. Whisk in the beer, then the beef broth; bring to a boil, whisking until smooth. Pour the sauce over the meat and onions and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover the pot and cook in the oven for 2 hours. Remove the lid and cook until the meat is fork-tender, 30 minutes. Set aside and let rest for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large pot, place the potatoes in salted water to cover; bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and mash. Beat in the milk and season with salt and pepper. Serve the stew over the mashed potatoes.

Crispy Potato Roast

February 2, 2014 Kristen

3 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 – 12 russet potatoes, peeled
Kosher salt
1 small onion or 4 shallots, peeled and sliced very thin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 – 6 fresh thyme sprigs
About 3 ounces pancetta, cubed

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the oil and melted butter in a small dish. Set aside. Brush a round baking dish (around 9 – 10 inches) with a little of the butter and oil mixture. Slice the potatoes as thin as possible crosswise. Arrange potatoes vertically in the baking dish. Wedge onion or shallot slices throughout potato slices – in about 3 or 4 sections of each potato. Sprinkle with salt and pepper flakes (use some black pepper if not using red pepper flakes). Brush with the remaining butter and oil mixture. Bake for 1 hour and 25 minutes uncovered. If you find at any time throughout baking that the potatoes are too dry, a little of the olive oil/butter from the bottom of the baking dish can be brushed on the slices. Also, a butter knife can be used to separate some of the slices if there are some sticking together too much. While potatoes are baking, brown the pancetta in a small pan. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Set aside. Remove potatoes from oven. Add pancetta by scattering around throughout the potatoes. Lay the thyme sprigs on top of potatoes. Bake for an additional 35 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle on a little more kosher salt. Serve immediately. Sour cream is a great accompaniment to the potatoes.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 187
Fat: 14.4g
Fiber: 1g

Note – the nutritional information provided doesn’t seem right to me. 2 potatoes, 1 T. fat, 1/2 oz. pancetta per person seems like it should add up to more than 187. Even if they were tiny potatoes?

Cheesy Leek, Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Puree

January 19, 2014 Kristen

1 T. Butter

¼ C. Leeks, washed and sliced

1 Sweet Potato, peeled and cut into chunks

1 C. Boiling Water

¾ C. Cauliflower Florets

3 T. Grated Cheddar Cheese

Heat butter in a pan and add leek. Sauté about 3 minutes until softened. Add sweet potato and boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. Add cauliflower and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Strain vegetables, reserving cooking liquid. Blend vegetables together with about 1/3 C. of the cooking liquid and the grated cheddar cheese.

6-9 months

Ecuadorian Cheesy Potato Patties

January 18, 2014 Kristen

1 lb. potatoes, peeled, quartered

½ tsp. salt

¼ cup oil, divided

2 tsp. paprika or annatto seasoning, divided

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Peanut Sauce (below)

BRING 2 quarts water to boil in large saucepan. Add potatoes and salt. Cook 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain. Place in large bowl; mash until smooth. HEAT 2 Tbsp. of the oil in medium skillet on medium heat. Add onions and 1 tsp. of the paprika; cook and stir until onions are tender. Stir into the mashed potatoes; cool. Stir in cheese. Shape evenly into 6 (1-inch-thick) patties. MIX remaining 2 Tbsp. oil and 1 tsp. paprika until well blended. Heat large nonstick skillet, griddle or cast iron skillet on medium heat. Brush a little of the oil mixture onto bottom of pan. Add patties; cook 3 minutes or until bottom is crisp and golden brown. Brush tops of patties with remaining oil mixture; turn over. Cook an additional 3 minutes or until crisp and golden brown on both sides. Serve each patty topped with 2 Tbsp. of the Peanut Sauce.

Peanut Sauce

1 cup PLANTERS Dry Roasted Peanuts

1-1/4 cups milk

1 green or red finger pepper, seeded, deveined (optional)

¼ cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing

½ tsp. paprika

½ tsp. ground cumin

ADD peanuts, milk and pepper to blender container; cover. Blend on medium speed until smooth. Pour mixture through strainer. COMBINE dressing, paprika and cumin in medium saucepan; cook on medium-high heat 1 min. Stir in peanut puree. Bring to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in additional milk if the sauce is too thick. SERVE hot.

Broccoli and Cheddar-Stuffed Potato Skins with Avocado Cream

January 11, 2014 Kristen

8 small Idaho potatoes (about 2 1/2 lb. total), scrubbed and dried

4 tsp. canola oil

1/4 tsp. salt

8 ounces broccoli florets, coarsely chopped (about 4 C.)

Cooking spray

3 pieces Canadian bacon, finely diced (about 3 ounces)

3/4 C. grated extra-sharp Cheddar (about 3 ounces)

Avocado Creme:

2 scallions, thinly sliced, greens reserved

1 medium avocado

2 T. reduced-fat sour cream

2 T. lime juice

1/4 C. cilantro leaves

1 clove garlic

1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Pierce potatoes several times with a fork and wrap in paper towels. Microwave on high for 13 to 15 minutes, until potatoes are cooked through. Remove from microwave and cool until potatoes are easy to handle. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop all but 1/8 inch of the inside of the potato, leaving skin intact. Reserve scooped potato flesh for another use. Brush both inside and outside of potatoes with oil and sprinkle with salt. Place potatoes, skin-side down, on a baking sheet and bake until skins are crisp and edges are golden brown, about 20 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the filling. Steam the broccoli until crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and set aside. Spray a nonstick pan with cooking spray and preheat over medium-high heat. Add the Canadian bacon and cook until crisp stirring often, about 3 to 4 minutes. Reserve. To make avocado cream, combine scallion whites, avocado, sour cream lime juice, cilantro, garlic and salt in the small bowl of a food processor and process on high until smooth. About 30 seconds. Toss the broccoli with cheese and spoon filling evenly among potatoes. Lower oven to 400 degrees F and return potatoes to oven until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Spoon 1 T. of the avocado cream on top of broccoli-filled potatoes, then top with scallion greens and 1 tsp. crisped bacon bits.

Yield: 8 servings

Serving Size: 2 potato halves, 1 T. avocado cream, 1/2 tsp. scallions and 1 tsp. bacon bits

Calories: 180

Fat: 10g

Fiber: 3g

Potato Corn Chowder

January 7, 2014 Kristen

4 Idaho potatoes, diced

1 onion, chopped

1 large celery stalk, thinly sliced

1 red or green bell pepper, chopped

2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced

1/4 tsp. turmeric, (optional)

21 oz. canned low sodium chicken broth

1 tsp. cider vinegar

1 10 oz. package whole frozen corn

1 C. 1% lowfat milk

2 T. cornstarch

1 C. lowfat cheddar cheese, shredded

In large saucepan, combine first eight ingredients. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 15 minutes. Stir together the cornstarch and milk. Add to chowder along with the corn. Bring to a boil, and boil one minute, stirring constantly. Serve chowder garnished with about 2 T. of cheese.

Cider-Dijon Pork Chops with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples

January 4, 2014 Kristen

Pork

4 boneless pork loin chops (each about 7 ounces and 1 inch thick)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup apple cider or apple juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces

Vegetables and Apples

1 pound red-skinned sweet potatoes (yams), peeled and cut lengthwise in half, then cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces

2 Pink Lady or Fuji apples, cored and cut lengthwise into eighths

1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and cut lengthwise into eighths

2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Remove the pork from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature while the oven preheats. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven and heat until very hot. To cook the vegetables and apples: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes, apples, fennel, and rosemary with the olive oil to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and spread the vegetables and apples on it. Roast, turning the ingredients over halfway through, for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are nicely browned and tender. Meanwhile, cook the pork: Season the pork with salt and pepper. Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then add the chops to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and barely pink when pierced in the center with the tip of a small sharp knife. Transfer to a platter (reserving the oil in the skillet) and let stand for 5 minutes. Pour off all but 1 teaspoon of the oil from the skillet, leaving the brown bits in the pan. Return the pan to medium-low heat, add the apple cider, and bring to a simmer, scraping up the brown bits with a wooden spoon. Whisk in the mustard and simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter to lightly thicken the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide the sweet potato mixture among four dinner plates. Place a pork chop alongside the vegetables on each plate. Drizzle with the pan sauce and serve.

Garlic-y Mashed Potato Cakes with Raspberry Ginger Mustard Chutney

January 2, 2014 Kristen

1 C. leftover mashed potatoes

1 tsp. butter

1-2 large cloves garlic, minced

4 oz Neufchatel cheese, room temperature

1 large egg white

2 T. minced fresh parsley

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

6 T. all-purpose flour

Oil, for shallow frying (I used an equal mixture of butter and canola oil)

Raspberry Ginger Mustard Chutney (recipe below)

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat; add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes, until garlic is fragrant; cool. In a medium bowl, mix together cooked garlic, cheese, egg white, parsley, salt, and pepper; use a wooden spoon to stir in potatoes, then flour, being careful not to over-mix (the dough will be very sticky). Let this mixture rest a few minutes. Coat the bottom of a large (preferably non-stick) skillet with canola oil (I like to also add butter for flavor, but this is optional); heat over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, scoop out the dough into the oil (this is easiest to do with an ice cream scoop; my scoop holds 1 1/2 TB, and I got 16 cakes out of this recipe). (You may need to cook the cakes in batches so that you don’t overcrowd the pan.) Once the dough is scooped into the oil, use an oiled metal spatula to gently flatten the balls slightly. Cook until golden brown on both sides, flipping once (the easiest way to flip them is using 2 oiled metal spatulas – one to flip and one to guide the cakes). Once cooked, transfer the cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot, warm, or room temperature with Raspberry Ginger Mustard Chutney.

Raspberry Ginger Mustard Chutney

(Yield: about 1/2 c)

2 tsp. olive oil

1 small onion, diced

1 bay leaf

1 C. frozen raspberries

1 date, pitted and minced

1 T. rice vinegar

1 T. honey (more or less to taste)

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. tamari sauce (or soy sauce)

1/2 tsp. Chinese five spice powder

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Generous pinch each salt and pepper

Heat oil in a small saucepan over low heat; add onion and bay leaf and sauté until onion is softened (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally. Add all remaining ingredients and cook until thickened (about 7 minutes), stirring frequently. Taste and add more salt, pepper, and honey as desired. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Serve with Garlic-y Mashed Potato Cakes…or spread on fresh bread topped with cheese (Cheddar or Brie would be great!) and melted under the broiler.

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Sweet Potato and Leek Soup with Crisp Fried Scallions

December 29, 2013 Kristen

2 1/2 lb. Sweet Potatoes or Yams

1/2 stick Butter

1 1/2 C. thinly sliced Leeks, white parts only

6 C. Chicken Stock (or Smoked Turkey Stock)

1 C. crème fraîche or 2/3 C. Heavy Cream mixed with 1/3 C. Sour Cream

Salt and Pepper

1 C. Vegetable Oil for Frying

8 Scallions, trimmed and julienned

Preheat oven to 425. Prick sweet potatoes or yams several times and bake on a rack until very tender, about an hour. Remove from oven and set aside. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and toss to coat. Add one C. stock, cover with tight fitting lid, and cook over very low heat until leeks are very tender, about 30 minutes. Pour leeks into bowl of food processor fitted with metal blade and pulse until well pureed. Scoop sweet potato out of the skin and add pulp to food processor, pulse again until smooth. In heavy saucepan, combine puree with remaining 5 C. stock and whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat until warmed through. Add crème fraîche, blend well, and continue to simmer until heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, heat oil in a wok until it shimmers. Add scallions and deep fry until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to drain on paper towels. Divide soup into serving bowls and garnish with fried scallions and serve.

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Chicken Soup with Adzuki Beans, Escarole, and Sweet Potato

December 19, 2013 Kristen

1 1/2 quarts chicken broth

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 C. dry adzuki beans

1 C. uncooked wild rice

2 onions, cut into large chunks

1 T. bottled minced garlic

1 tsp. dried sage

1 T. dried thyme

1 T. dried rosemary

1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 zucchini, cubed

1 yellow squash, cubed

1/3 medium head escarole, coarsely chopped

Place the chicken broth in a large pot. Mix in the chicken thighs, adzuki beans, wild rice, onions, and garlic. Season with sage, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook 1 hour. Remove chicken from the pot, shred with a fork, and set aside. Stir the sweet potato into the pot. Continue cooking about 5 minutes, until sweet potato is slightly tender. Mix in the zucchini, yellow squash, and escarole. Continue cooking 15 minutes. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Cook until heated through. Increase the amount of broth if the soup seems too thick.

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Smoky Spicy Sweet Potato Soup

December 3, 2013 Kristen

4 sweet potatoes (2½ lb.), peeled and sliced 1 inch thick

Salt

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

4 slices smoky bacon, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

1 large carrot, peeled and shredded

1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped, plus 2 tsp. adobo sauce

5 sprigs thyme

1 bay leaf

One 32-oz. container chicken broth

1 tsp. grated peel and juice of 1 orange

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

Honey or maple syrup, for drizzling

Pepper

1 C. sour cream, for passing around the table

In a large saucepan, add the sweet potatoes and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, salt the water and cook until tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. While the potatoes are working, in a medium pot, heat the EVOO, 1 turn of the pan. Add the bacon and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Discard all but 2 T. bacon fat. Add the onion, carrot, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, thyme sprigs and bay leaf and cook until the onions are softened, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, orange peel, orange juice and cinnamon; drizzle with honey and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 5 minutes. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Add the broth mixture to the sweet potatoes in the pot and puree with an immersion blender (alternatively, puree in batches in a blender or food processor). Serve the soup with the sour cream and bacon on top.

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Baked Parsnip and Sweet Potato Chips

December 1, 2013 Kristen

1 small parsnip, peeled

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 small sweet potato, peeled

a little salt, optional

Preheat the oven to 300 F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a sturdy potato peeler or small swivel peeler to peel thin strips from the parsnip. Put the strips in a bowl and toss with half of the oil. Spread out in a single layer on one of the prepared baking sheets. Do the same with the sweet potato, spreading the strips on the second baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then rotate the baking sheets. Bake for a further 5 minutes, then check and remove from the oven if crisp and browned at the edges. Otherwise continue cooking for a further 4-5 minutes, checking every minute, as the crisps can go brown very quickly. You may find that the parsnips cook slightly more quickly than the potato. Transfer the cooked chips to a bowl and sprinkle with a little salt. These are best served the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container overnight (they may soften a bit).

From Top 100 Finger Foods

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