Pass the potatoes
Potatoes originated in Peru, South America. By the 1600's, the potato spread all over the world including North America. By 1650, it had become the staple food of Ireland.
Potato : 150 fabulous recipes
Alex Barker ; recipes by Sally Mansfield.
London : Lorenz, 2008.
A feast of over 150 recipes including the most traditional, classic and popular potato dishes from around the world
101 things to do with a potato
by Stephanie Ashcraft.
Salt Lake City : Gibbs Smith, c2004.
Thomas Molesworth (d. 1977) founded the Shoshone Furniture Company in Cody, Wyoming and created an influential legacy of design and craftsmanship, not only in furniture, but also in fabric, metalwork, and accessories found in homes, ranches, and hotels and other public buildings. His themes and materials are distinctly Western, incorporating Native American motifs and features that reflect the rustic qualities of life in the West. This oversize volume (11x13") showcases his work in full-page color photos (by W. Garth Dowling) and text by Terryb Winchell, a long-established antiques dealer in Wyoming and an authority on Thomas Molesworth furniture. Annotation #169;2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
The ultimate potato book : hundreds of ways to turn America's favorite side dish into a meal
Bruce Weinstein & Mark Scarbrough.
New York, NY : William Morrow, c2003.
That's right, The Ultimate Potato Book moves the versatile potato to the center of every meal. Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough offer up main course classics such as Shepherd's Pie, Cod Cakes, and Chili Fries, along with some surprising new ideas -- Lasagna (potatoes replace the noodles), Enchiladas, and Twice-Baked Potatoes with bacon, asparagus, and Cheddar. Book jacket.
Potatoes come in almost infinite varieties--in many colours, shapes, and sizes. The true potato is not related to the sweet potato (Asian origin) or the yam (African origin).
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Mashed Potatoes with Garlic
2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
1/2 c milk
1/4 c extra-virgin olive oil
8 garlic cloves, sliced thin
3/4 t salt
1/4 t freshly ground pepper |
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Put potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook covered 15 min. or until tender. Reserve 1/4 c cooking water and drain. |
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Return potatoes to pot, add milk and mash until fluffy. Add reserve water as necessary.
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly until just golden, about 2 min. Remove skillet from the heat and stir garlic in mashed potatoes. Keep on low heat until ready to serve. |
Russet potatoes are most commonly used for baking, although they are also great for making homemade mashed potatoes or French fries. . They have a rough brown skin, are oblong in shape, and are starchy.
Round white potatoes, also called Maine potatoes, have a very dark, thick skin. They are often called old potatoes because they remain underground, well after frost.
Yellow potatoes, are known for their yellow flesh. The Yukon Gold is the most well known yellow potato. These potatoes are a favourite of many chefs due to their buttery taste, and firm, but creamy texture.
Purple potatoes are definitely a vegetable to try. Mostly dark purple on the outside, they are really purplish blue inside. Peruvian Blue potatoes are the most flavourful variety. They are great to introduce to young children who can be tempted to try a new food by the bizarre colour.
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Potato consumption
Today, the potato is recognized as the third most important crop in the world, both for human and animal consumption. Russia, Poland, and West Germany lead in the potato consumption (262 pounds per capita per year). |
There are many other potato varieties to choose from when selecting your potato for dinner. Scientists are continuously developing new varieties. Introductions of new potatoes will peek our curiosity in the future.
The potato is not a fattening vegetable, unless you smother it with butter or sour cream. It actually is almost 80% water, with only 130 calories in a medium sized potato. The minerals and vitamins of a potato are stored in, or just below, the skin of a potato. Vitamin C and iron are the highest.
Eating potatoes is good for you in moderation. Potatoes are familiar to cooks baked, mashed, or boiled. Try different potatoes and enjoy each!
Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff.
