The enduring gift of the Incas to the world, the potato feeds people all over the planet. After the discovery of the New World, the Spanish sacked the palaces and their galleons took tons of gold and silver, but that was just money. The food they took from Native American farmers would ultimately feed the world. Where would we be without corn, chocolate or potatoes?
Potatoes originated in the Andes mountains of Peru and had been cultivated by the Incas since around 5000 BC. The Spanish brought them back to Europe, where they were received with great reluctance. Potatoes are not mentioned in the Bible, so God did not ordain them as a “Christian food.” Potatoes are members of the nightshade family; the plant is poisonous. Potatoes were fed to inmates in asylums and prisons. Its wide acceptance came later.
They grow almost everywhere. Potatoes tolerate terrible soils and challenging climates. They are the first and only food grown in space. They grow almost anywhere and produce bountiful harvests when they do.
Potatoes are a healthy food. Dieters avoid them due to the caloric content. All the essential vitamins and minerals in the potato and its skin are lost. Some great taste sensations are also lost. Eat potatoes in moderation if you are on a diet, but try some of the potato recipes on offer [in The Champagne taste/Beer Budget Cookbook]. Whether you’re serving indoors or outdoors, they’ll add something to your table.
POTATO CHIPS
French fries are available even in the best restaurants. They are the mainstay of more modest restaurants and fast food places. You can make great fries at home in your own kitchen. You can fry them in a deep pot with boiling oil, but boiling oil is messy and dangerous. they’re worth it. When you try home fries, you’ll want to serve them over and over again. Invest in a crockpot if you plan to make home fries frequently.
Fries are not French. They are an American invention. Thomas Jefferson is supposed to have served them at diplomatic receptions before potatoes became popular in Europe. Enjoy the fries; they are as American as apple pie.
4 to 6 medium potatoes
canola oil
Heat oil to boiling, about 325°F in a deep, straight-sided skillet. Better yet, heat the oil in a fry pot designed for the process.
Peel potatoes if desired. Wash them and then cut them into 1/4″ x 1/4″ sticks. Let dry on a paper towel. Submerge them in the hot oil and cook for 17 minutes. Drain, salt and serve.
