Better Mashed Potatoes

October 16th, 2009

By Allen Wheeler

Here are 6 tips for better mashed potatoes:

1. Start the potatoes in cold water and bring to a simmer, which allows them to cook evenly.

2. Simmer the potatoes gently. If they boil too violently, they’ll fall apart before they are cooked.

3. Test to see if potatoes are done with a metal skewer. It is more accurate than a knife and less damaging than a fork.

4. After cooking, drain thoroughly, shaking to rid the potatoes of excess water; return them to the pot over low heat and stir to dry them fully.

5. The best tool for mashing is a ricer, but you can also use a food mill or a potato masher.

6. Never use a food processor to mash russets. You will overwork them and give them a gluey texture.

Mountain Mashed Potatoes

Makes 8 To 10 Servings

9 medium potatoes peeled and sliced thinly

6 tablespoons butter or margarine

3/4 cup hot milk

salt

pepper

1. Add the potatoes to water and boil until tender. Drain.

2. With a potato masher or electric mixer, mash the potatoes thoroughly until no lumps remain.

3. Melt the butter in a small saucepan;add the milk, and heat until hot (do not boil).

4. With a masher, gradually add the butter and milk to make the potatoes fluffy and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Do not allow yourself to get frustrated with mashed potato creation. Follow these simple tips and you will be fine. Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. As winter approaches, your family will begin to clamor for some good, old-fashioned mashed potatoes I hope the recipe up top will fill your need. Be sure to visit my food and recipe website for further recipes and helpful tips.

I am the editor of a website devoted to all aspects of food and the creation of great food. You can find recipes, articles, cooking terms, and numerous other food related topics by directing yourself to my website, http://www.foodcreate.com If you have recipes, comments, or questions, please email me at info@foodcreate.com

Potatoes for Breakfast

October 5th, 2009

This past weekend I tried a new potato recipe for breakfast that was a big hit with the teenagers in the house. I made hash browns. This is really easy!
Grate 4 decent sized potatoes and 1/4 of an onion and mix them up. I did this with a Salad Shooter – you can use a food processor or grate them by hand with a vegetable grater.
Cover the bottom of a large frying pan with canola oil and heat it up over med-high heat.
Add the potato mixture, spread it out quickly and pack it down with a spatula.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Let it cook for about 5 minutes without touching it. After the 5 minutes, lift up the edge with a spatula and see if it is nicely browned. If so, cut it into fourths so you can flip it, and flip each section. Cook a few minutes until that side is also nicely browned.
Slide it onto a plate and serve immediately.