Mashed Potatoes – The basics

A holiday just isn’t the same without creamy mashed potatoes. But not everyone knows how to make this delicious side dish correctly. Have you ever gone to someone’s house and eagerly awaited mashed potatoes, only to be greeted with lumpy, bland tasting potatoes, or runny potatoes you need a spoon to eat? If you’re admittedly the one who served those potatoes, fret not. Help is here! Once you get the hang of mashed potatoes, they’re a cinch to make. **This recipe calls for a food mill. If you don’t have one, you can find one at your local cookery or … Continue reading

A Unique Potato Dish

I originally saw this recipe in a Classic Turkish cookbook. It looked delicious, and was cooked in a clay pot. I tried it tonight, adapting it a bit with American ingredients. The result was a delicious, comforting dish that popped with flavors I never would have thought to combine. Give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for something a little different. For this recipe you’ll need: 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil 1 pound yellow potatoes, sliced relatively thinly (in rounds or half moons) 1 large red onion, sliced (in strips) 1 teaspoon crushed garlic 1 teaspoon … Continue reading

Bouchees Pauillacaise

For this recipe, you will need 2 pounds of potatoes, unsalted butter, milk, salt, pepper, eggs, fresh breadcrumbs, nutmeg, vegetable oil, shallots, one onion, all-purpose flour, beef stock, and a chicken breast. To prep for this recipe, you will need to peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Mince two shallots and finely chop the onion. Cook the chicken breast and dice it. You can use leftover chicken or beef if you have it. You only need enough to make one cup. Steam the cubed potatoes until they are soft. To make the meat filling, melt 1 tablespoon … Continue reading

Moroccan Potato Casserole

For this recipe, you will need 1 1/2 pounds of red potatoes, garlic cloves, salt, paprika, ground cumin, ground cayenne pepper, fresh cilantro, parsley, one lemon, red wine vinegar, olive oil, one large red bell pepper, one yellow bell pepper, one large green bell pepper, celery stalks, and one pound of tomatoes. There is a bit of prepping for this recipe, but it is well worth it. Chop your fresh cilantro and parsley – enough for 3/4 of a cup of each. Slice your red potatoes 1/2 inch thick. Cut your red bell pepper into 1/2 inch square and your … Continue reading

Italian Potato Salad

Any way you slice it, potato salad is delicious. I came across this recipe recently and wanted to post it. It’s a little different than others I’ve come across and even includes Tarragon Vinegar. If you’re looking for something unique, give this recipe a try. It’s flavorful and lovely, and would make a wonderful addition to any picnic spread or meal. To make this recipe you’ll need: 12 large red potatoes, cut into chunks 1/2 cup tarragon vinegar 1/2 tsp. dried mustard 1 TB worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. salt 1/2 cup fresh parsley 3 garlic cloves, chopped finely 1 TB … Continue reading

Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes – You’ve GOT To Try These

What do you get when you mix potatoes with cheese and butter? You get pure culinary bliss. This recipe was given to me by a good friend. It’s since become a staple in our house, sure to cure the heaviest heartache or bad day. If you’re looking for comfort food extraordinaire, look no further, honey!! For this recipe, you’ll need: 1 (32 ounce) bag Hash Brown Potatoes (The square ones) 1 1/3 Cups Sour Cream 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup ¼ Cup melted butter or margarine 1 tsp. salt 1 Tablespoon minced onion (dried) 2 Cups shredded cheddar cheese … Continue reading

Potato, Corn, and Tomato Salad

This recipe seriously made me want to run out to the store NOW to buy the ingredients. What could be better than fresh, creamy ingredients all paired together, waiting to pop in your mouth with each flavorful bite? If you’re having a party, a picnic, or just want a delicious side dish to serve all week, give this a try. For this recipe you’ll need: 3 pounds baby red potatoes 5 ears fresh corn 1-container cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes 1 red onion, sliced or diced 2 lemons ¼ cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Basil leaves, left … Continue reading

Sour Cream Potatoes

If you’ve never met a potato you didn’t like, then this recipe is definitely for you. It’s for you if you’re a mashed potato lover, or even if you shy away from mashed potatoes because you’ve tasted too many tasteless varieties. A friend of mine gave this recipe to me. It’s creamy, rich, delicious-and did I mention, creamy! I make it for every single holiday, on special occasions, and frankly, when I need some good ol’ comfort food! Wanna know the secret to this recipe? Instant mashed potatoes. It’s true. This recipe calls for instant mashed potatoes. I’ve tried making … Continue reading

Meatloaf Muffins with Barbecue Sauce and Smashed Potatoes

I love meatloaf. Fortunately (because I like to cook it frequently), so does my husband. Even when I was on Atkins, I substituted the cracker crumbs with pork rinds and continued making meatloaf. Today, I found this great recipe from Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals site called Meatloaf muffins served with smashed potatoes. I cannot wait to try this recipe! For both these recipes, you will need about 1 2/3 pounds of ground sirloin, one medium onion, celery, a green bell pepper, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, Montreal Steak Seasoning, barbecue sauce, tomato salsa, Worcestershire sauce, extra-virgin olive oil, 2 1/2 pounds … Continue reading

Easter Side Dishes

I always cook the same side dishes for Easter. But, this year, I am going to do something a little different. My husband will probably think he is in the wrong house when he sees these scrumptious sides on the table. Buttered Peas and Pearl Onions For this recipe, you will need 1 1/2 pounds of pearl onions, chicken broth, unsalted butter, fresh dill (chopped), fresh sweet peas (enough for two cups), a lemon, a small bunch of watercress, and kosher salt. Fill a large pot about half way full of water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. … Continue reading