Month: April 2018

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Potatoes Can Be Healthy, Too.

Sarah Paasch

Potatoes are #1! Literally. Potatoes are the #1 vegetable crop in the United States. They are also the fourth most consumed crop in the world, right behind rice, wheat, and corn.

I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again. Potatoes are amazing. While potatoes usually get a bad reputation for being unhealthy, it’s generally because people layer them with cheese, bacon, sour cream, salt, etc. Potatoes can be healthy, if eaten in the right way. Potato chips and french fries will always be bad for you, but baked potatoes don’t have to be.

Around the 1950’s, processed potatoes likes french fries have become popular. This is why it’s becoming even more necessary to eat them right.

A medium sized potato contains about 110 calories, only. On top of that, potatoes provide vitamin C and vitamin B6, along with calcium, fiber, and iron. The vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which may prevent cell damage. Potatoes also may help with digestion, heart health, blood pressure, and cancer prevention.

Blood Pressure

The fiber found in potatoes can help lower cholesterol. They also have A TON of potassium, even more than bananas! Potassium can also lower blood pressure, due to its actions as a blood vessel widener.

Brain Functioning and Nervous System Health 

The B6 vitamin in potatoes is critical to maintaining neurological health. It helps to create useful brain chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals help with depression and stress.

Immunity

Vitamin C can prevent illnesses like the common cold, and potatoes have a ton of it. 45% of the daily recommended intake can be found in one potato.

Digestion

Potatoes have a lot of fiber, which makes them key to helping with digestion. Due to the high level of carbohydrates, potatoes are also easy to digest.

The Healthiest Way to Eat Them

Potatoes are healthiest when kept in their whole, unprocessed form. Baking a potato in the oven or the microwave is healthiest. Steaming is also a healthy way to cook a potato. These methods help to maintain the nutrients in the potato. Methods like boiling cause a significant amount of nutrient loss.

Attempt to eat the skins, as well. The skin contains more nutrients, along with most of the fiber, than the rest of the potato.

 

Food, Potatoes, Recipes, Tater Talk

Hamburger Packets (With Potatoes)

Sarah Paasch

Ever since I was a kid, my mom (what a woman) has been making what we have called over the years: hamburger packets. These are also known as hobo packets, for those of you who were wondering. These have always come in clutch for our family when we want something yummy, but don’t necessarily want to do a lot of work to get the food. Bonus: they are incredibly filling, which is something my bottomless pit of a stomach is always searching for.

While we’re not exactly the camping kind, aka I’ve never been camping besides setting up a tent in my backyard, these make a camping meal. After you chop up all the ingredients, you simply throw them on the grill and let the heat do it’s thing.

You can also make these in the oven!

Hamburger Packets (With Potatoes, Obviously)

You’ll need:

  • 4 beef patties (this recipe serves 4 people)
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • Butter
  • You could also add zucchini, onion, squash, etc. Whatever you think would taste good, go for it!

What you’ll need to do:

  1. Lay out 4 sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil. Rub butter on the foil first. This will serve as a base for the other ingredients, plus it will give them flavor.
  2. Peel and slice the potatoes first, and lay each potato out on the foil.
  3. Peel and slice the carrots next, evenly distributing them as well.
  4. Lay the hamburger patty on top.
  5. Gather the foil at the top, then roll up each of the sides.
  6. Place on the grill and let cook, keeping an eye on them. Once the potatoes are easily forked and the patty looks good, they are done and you can serve them. We usually have a problem with one of the packets not cooking as thoroughly as the others, so be sure to keep an eye on all of them.
  7. If you’d rather bake in an oven, place them on a cookie sheet and bake them for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees.

The cool part about these is that everyone can have their own serving of food. If one person wants less food, they can simply put less in their packet to start. The potatoes and carrots easily come out of the foil as well, requiring not a lot of clean up!

Food, Potatoes, Tater Talk

My Favorite Pre-Made Potato Products

Sarah Paasch

It’s no surprise that over the years, I’ve come to find just about every potato product I can get my hands on. Naturally, people suggest potato products to me, too. I guess it just comes with the territory when you’re THE potato connoisseur to all of your friends and family!

I come here today with one purpose: to bring to you the potato products that I hope will bring you as much joy as they have for me. I couldn’t imagine making you wait a second longer to hear about them, so here they are! (I am in no way sponsored or affiliated with any of these potato brands, but I wouldn’t say no if the opportunity arose (!))

Idahoan Microwaveable Potato Cups

Image result for microwaveable potatoes in a cup

Picture this: It was the summer before my freshman year of college, and I was sitting at home when my mom brings in the groceries. Imagine my surprise when she pulls these cups out, and says that she bought them with me in mind. I swear I have the coolest mom around. She just gets me, ya know? Anyways, fast forward to freshman year of college. These things came in clutch so many times. Needed a snack? I made these things. Wanted a light lunch or dinner? Easy peezy lemon squeezy, I made these. Literally all you have to do is add water to the mix, stir it up and throw it in the microwave for a little bit. WOW. I give all the credit to whoever thought these up.

Simply Potatoes Diced PotatoesImage result for simply potatoes diced

I give sole credit to the good ole Piggly Wiggly I worked at for five years for this discovery. We carried them for the longest time, and one day I decided to try them on for size. (The first one I tried was their hash browns, but just switch the word diced potatoes on the packaging to hash browns and you can find them easily). I used those for a breakfast skillet, and I used the diced potatoes for the same purpose! These are the best, especially when I don’t wanna go to great lengths to get my potato fix. 10/10 would recommend.

The Little Potato Company Microwave Potatoes

Image result for little potato company

These are also the best. This packaging comes with small red potatoes and seasoning. All that’s necessary from you is to toss the potatoes in olive oil, heat them up in the microwave, and pour the seasoning on top. These could be served with literally anything because they’re the perfect compliment to a meal. The seasoning puts them ahead of the red potato game because it requires no effort from you to figure out how to season the potatoes and what seasonings to buy. A potato that basically does it all for you. This is something I can get behind.

While there are many others, these are my top three that I will stay faithful to forever. I hope you can come to love them as much as I do one day.

Food, Potatoes, Recipes, Tater Talk

Chicken Potato Bake

Sarah Paasch

Once again, Pinterest did not disappoint me with a potato recipe! One day, there I was, just minding my own business. I decided to log onto Pinterest (like one does) and stumbled upon this recipe. To say I was excited was an understatement.

Casseroles are the best, and casseroles with potatoes simply make the world go round. Let me explain. Casseroles are everything in one place. There’s no need to mix your food, it’s already mixed for you! Your entire meal can be scooped up onto your plate. What a time to be alive.

Chicken Potato Bake

You’ll need:

  • 4 medium sized potatoes – you can use russet, Idaho, or red but leave the peel on
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken – can use chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • optional: chopped parsley for flavor

What you’ll need to do:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Dice the potatoes and toss them into a large bowl. Add the garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper on top and toss to coat the potatoes.
  3. Spray a large 13 x 9 baking dish with non-stick spray and spread the potatoes evenly in the dish.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the baking dish from the oven.
  5. Place the diced up chicken in the dish, nestling them into the potato mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the potatoes are browned.
  6. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, and bake for a few more minutes to melt the cheese completely.
  7. Add chopped parsley on top, if desired.

Rather than not knowing what to cook and scratching your head in wonder, try this dish out tonight! I swear it’s more delicious than you could possibly imagine.

Enjoy!

Food, Potatoes, Recipes, Tater Talk

Foil Packet Cheesy Potatoes

Sarah Paasch

All I can say is YUM. I found these bad boys on Pinterest and have been craving them ever since. I didn’t realize one could crave something they had never tasted before, but alas. Crazier things have happened!

These cheesy potatoes (made in foil packets) can be baked in the oven or the grill. The best part is, there’s basically no clean up in the end! If you want to make it a meal, simply add hamburger, chicken, or sausage and you’re set.

Foil Packet Cheesy Potatoes

You’ll need:

  • 4 medium Russet or Idaho potatoes (make as many potatoes for as many people as you have) – this recipe is written according to 4 people
  • 4 tbsp salted butter
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

How you prepare it:

  1. Prepare 12″ x 10″ aluminum foil sheets for however many people you’re cooking for. Peel and dice the potatoes, but keep each diced potato separate. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees if cooking this way.
  2. Place each diced potato on their own sheet. Add the onion, butter, olive oil, and pepper on top. Fold up the foil tightly, but leaving enough room for the steam to escape.
  3. Place on a large baking sheet and stick in the oven if cooking that way. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The potatoes are officially done when they are soft. Once the potatoes are done, sprinkle shredded cheese and stick them back in the oven to melt the cheese, if desired.
  4. If cooking on the grill, get the grill to medium heat. Place foil packets on the grill, and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for 10 more minutes. If the potatoes are done, top with cheese and close to melt it.
  5. Enjoy!!

Whether you want a quick and easy side dish, or want to make it a full out dinner, this recipe is sure to make the perfect summer food on the grill! Throw in some cobs of corn and chicken and you have a meal fit for a king.

Food, Potatoes, Strange, Tater Talk

Spud Fit

Sarah Paasch

Once upon a time, a man lost 117 pounds by eating just potatoes. YES, POTATOES. True story. This is a diet I can get behind.

Andrew Taylor, an Australian dude (I suddenly appreciate Australians immensely), reevaluated his life and realized he needed to make a change. Since he couldn’t abstain from all food, he decided to abstain as much as possible. Despite the horrible rep that potatoes get, they’re actually packed with tons of nutrients (!) He also took a B12 vitamin to make up for the lack of protein, but that’s beside the point.

He declared it…the Spud Fit Challenge! It’s even a book now, too!

Within this diet, he tried a combo of all different kinds of potatoes, while using minimal herbs, spices, and fat-free sauces. He only drank water, and began exercising after the first month. Even before he began exercising, he managed to lose 20 pounds.

The Rules

  • Eat a combo of potatoes, including sweet potatoes, but only use a minimal amount of herbs, fat-free sauces, and spices. Take a B12 supplement if you plan on doing it for more than a few months. Avoid oils and anything fatty, like meats, cheeses, eggs, or dairy products. If you must use milk for mashed potatoes, use soy milk.
  • Don’t restrict or count calories! Eat as much as you’d like, as often as you’d like, and do not go hungry if you can help it.
  • Do your own research and make educated decisions – consult a doctor to make sure everything is going well for you.

Mostly, he made either mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, or baked potatoes. He did not have set things made for each meal, but rather made a big batch and ate it until it was gone.

Surprise, surprise, he didn’t get bored of eating straight potatoes! A man after my own heart, obviously.

If you want, you can order his book here. I may or may not be considering it…

This man just goes to show the importance of eating your potatoes. I think we can all learn something from him.

Food, Potatoes, Recipes, Tater Talk

The Most Genius Potato Idea Ever – Taco Potatoes

Sarah Paasch

Just when I thought life couldn’t get any cooler, it did. One night, I was scrolling through Pinterest like usual. It was then that I stumbled upon this recipe, and I knew that all was right in the world. While I will admit that I have not personally made this recipe, I do intend to very soon (and then will update you on the results!).

This recipe happens to combine my two favorite loves: tacos and potatoes! What better way to honor them than to put them altogether in one?

Special shout out to life-in-the-lofthouse.com for this amazing creation!!

Taco Potatoes

You’ll need:

  • Russet potatoes – use your best judgement on however many you can eat
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 (1 oz.) packet of taco seasoning
  • Any other toppings you like on your tacos:
    • lettuce
    • cheese
    • salsa
    • guacamole
    • sour cream

How you make them:

  1. Bake the potatoes however you wish. Personally, I feel that it can be easier to cook them in a microwave by poking holes in them and selecting the potato button (real difficult, right?) However, the original creator suggests preheating the oven to 400 degrees, poking holes in them, and wrapping foil around them. Bake the potatoes for an hour and set them aside to cool down.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the separate the ground beef on medium heat. Add taco seasoning to the meat and any amount of water necessary (this is usually outlined on the packaging for you). Reduce heat and cook until the water soaks in.
  3. Remove the foil from the potatoes and cut a slit on the top to open them up (like you would to make a loaded baked potato). Fill each with meat and your favorite toppings to enjoy!

I am personally STOKED to try these bad boys out this weekend. Who knew life could be so amazing after all?

Food, Gardening, Potatoes, Tater Talk

How to Grow Potatoes…In a Bucket!

Sarah Paasch

Again, shout out to the man, the myth, the legend: The Four Season Gardener. Thanks to his amazing growing guidance, I’m going to shed some light on a topic I KNOW all of you have been dying to learn about: how to grow a potato in a bucket.

Why a bucket, you may ask? Growing potatoes in a bucket is the perfect alternative for when you live in a place that doesn’t provide you a lot (or any) growing land. You could place this said bucket on a patio or apartment balcony and still have that garden-y feeling.

You’ll need:

  • A bucket or garbage bin good for growing in order to accommodate your new potato friends
  • Potato seeds
  • Compost

First, place the potato seeds in the bucket or garbage bin and cover them with compost. Plant them in a large circle. As they grow and push shoots out through the soil, bury them again. Continue to do this until they start to flower. After 100 days, harvest them. Start this process in April/May and begin harvest in the fall.

The difference between this method and others is because in this method, every time they’re buried they push out fruit modules. This gives you the same amount of potatoes, but utilizes way less space than if you were to plant them in rows in a garden.

As for the Four Season Gardener, he hopes this method will produce up to 100 pounds of potatoes. I will definitely be contributing to eating those if I have anything to say about it.

While I’m not a professional gardener, the Four Season Gardener basically is! Check out his blog here for more tips and tricks on the gardening life.