Fun With Potatoes

I can't think of anyone who doesn't like potatoes. French fries, hash browns, baked, mashed...potatoes are one of the most versatile foods out there. So why aren't we spicing them up more? The dishes above are great, but they don't always have the "zing" we want. Well, no more. I've found several recipes for potatoes that are anything *but* bland. 

Here's a nice side dish I got from a friend from Canada. 

New Annan Scalloped Potatoes-serves 6-9

6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 ½ cup milk

3 tbsp butter

3 tbsp flour

2 tbsp hard stick butter, cut into chunks

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Using low heat, melt the “soft” butter (3 tbsp). Once melted, add the flour, salt and pepper and stir until it all begins to boil. Then, add the milk and stir for about 1 minute. Cut the potato into thin slices and lay into a buttered casserole dish. Cover with a third of the sauce and onions. Repeat until you have three layers and top with the rest of the butter. Cover and bake for 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender. Let stand 10 minutes and serve.

Here's a cute appetizer for your next get-together or your child's next classroom party.

Miniature Baked Potatoes-makes 36

36 fingerling or small white potatoes

6 slices fried bacon, finely chopped

6 oz garlic cream cheese

8 cherry peppers, finely chopped

chives

1 lemon's zest

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Toss the potatoes in olive oil, salt and pepper and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes and let cool. Cut a small slit in the potatoes, pinch and add cream cheese. Top with peppers, bacon and chives.

You could also hollow out the potatoes and add sour cream and chives to taste.

Enjoy!