Let's Talk Potatoes!

What is my weakness? It is not chocolate, but potatoes! Yes you heard right, POTATOES! I like mashed potatoes, french fries, baked potatoes, stewed potatoes, roasted potatoes, baked french fries, hash browns, diced fried potatoes, potato cakes...you get my drift? I sound like Bubba Gump! (remember the shrimp?)
Well I know that potatoes are a starch as well as feeding the yeast in your body! I know that regular french fries are one of the WORST foods you could eat! Wahhhh! I suppose I am admitting my problem of liking LOVING potatoes! I am addicted!
Now I do have to admit that I do love hamburgers too! And when I am feeling pretty rotten I want a burger and fries! NOT from a fast food restaurant either! YUCK!  However, something I could eat daily and really I have to admit ..eat 3 times a day! Say it with me POTATOES!
Now that we have that established! Let me share with you some potato recipes! :) Maybe you will grow to like them as much a me!
Hmmmm, they do say you are what you eat!! I guess that makes me a potato! I am kind of shaped like one!

Parmesan Potatoes
4-5 small potatoes (or more!)
1 cup to 1 1/2 cups of Parmesan cheese (depending on the size of potatoes)
1 Tbs of sea salt (not Table salt!)
1 Tbs of pepper
1 Tbs garlic powder (note: I usually use a lot more-like I said before I love spices!)
Lg mixing bowl
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Cooking Spray
Cookie Sheet Pan

Peel and cut potatoes into wedges-not too thick but not to thin! Put in bowl along with Olive Oil. Coating well!
Combine cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic.  Toss in with potatoes-Again coating well
Place on sprayed cookie sheet-(you would think with all that oil it wouldn't stick-but I have yet to make it work!)
Place in 350 oven for approximately 20-30 minutes. Tossing half way through. You can take them out when fork tender or do what we like and make them a little crisper! The potatoes and Parmesan will get crunchy! But keep an eye on them or they will burn!
When done salt a little more if you prefer! Dip in ketchup. Or dip in a little mixture of mayo, mustard, and a little honey! YUM!!


Sweet Potato Fries
2 large Sweet Potatoes
Cinnamon
Sea Salt
Olive Oil
Mixing Bowl
Cookie Sheet Pan
Sharp knife! (sweet potatoes are hard to cut)

Peel potatoes, cut into wedges or strips. Put potatoes in bowl and toss with olive oil. Spread onto pan -no potatoes overlapping!
Sprinkle salt and Cinnamon till well coated! I don't toss because this combo does not stick well. Salt is a must for a good taste!
Place in a 350 degree oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes. Make sure you keep an eye on them! They are really yummy when they are close to crisping-but not good if the ends start to burn! Dip in mayo, mustard, and a little honey mixture! YUM #2!

Here is a quick and versatile meal!!!
Frozen Diced Potatoes (Kroger brand is cheap) (plain or with onions and peppers)
This is where the versatility comes in! What do you have on hand???
Diced cooked Chicken
Leftover Hamburger Beef
An Egg or two

Now for veggies
Add steamed broccoli
or spinach
or onions (if not already in the potatoes)

Heat Pan with olive oil, Add potatoes (enough for your fam), add Sea Salt, pepper, and garlic powder, along with a little bit of butter
cook until potatoes get a little browned. Next add your meat and stir. I have used all the above! Warm the meat if not already warmed
Now add your veggies! Broccoli is wonderful! But so is about 2-3 cups of spinach! (sounds a lot-but cooks down fast!)
Add more spices if you prefer! (we know what I would do!) Cook until veggies are a little browned! You may also sprinkle finely shredded cheese on top until melted! This is a one pan dish if you have these ingredients ready to go! So easy so delicious! I have done this many times at lunch. Having leftover chicken or throw an egg in to scramble. Grab a couple handfuls of spinach. Add spices and it is done! You have a protein, starch, and a veggie all in one pan! And spinach is one of the healthiest veggies too!
Top with ketchup or eat it plain! YUM #3!

And next time I see you...maybe you will be a potato too!
Enjoy!