Tips for Using Potatoes

Potato Pancakes

While you're preparing your mashed potatoes for dinner, why not make an extra batch, so you can have leftover potatoes to make these simple yet tasty potato patties for the next day. Simply combine 2 cups of chilled leftover mashed potatoes with 2 beaten eggs and 4 tablespoons of chopped scallions, white onions, chives, or any type of herb you desire. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Shape the potato mixture into round patties. Slide the patties into the skillet, and cook about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown on both sides.

Tips for Potato Storage

1. Store potatoes in a cool, dry area. Under proper storage conditions, potatoes will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
2. Never wash potatoes before storing them. Washing will only decrease the storage life of potatoes. If they have some dirt or soil clinging to the skin, gently rub it off with a towel.
3. Never store uncooked potatoes in the refrigerator. The refrigerator can cause the potato flesh to turn a dark color when the potatoes are cooked.

Before serving mashed potatoes, add one or more of the following ingredients for a lively variation to traditional mashed potatoes:

• chopped oven-dried tomatoes
• chopped fresh spinach
• freshly grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese
• chopped roasted garlic cloves
• finely chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, chives, or thyme)
• cooked, crumbled pieces of bacon
• finely chopped sauteed leeks or shallots
• sour cream, low-fat yogurt, cream cheese