You say Potato I say Potahto!

It can't get any more humbling than the Potato.  It has to be the most versatile ingredient to cook with.  You can go from fluffy, pillow like Gnocchi to Crisp fried French Fries.  It is one of my all time go to sides and the possibilities are endless!

It always amazes me when people who are "watching their weight" pass on the potatoes.  Really? Not only are you missing out but I don't think they actually realize how low in calories the potato actually is.  The average medium sized potato is only 100 calories...its the topping and all the yummy goodness that we smother them in that can get the calorie count through the roof.  But in actuality, they are low in calories and the skin is very rich in nutrients!

Today, I have discovered the freshness, richness and one of a kind flavour from Earth Fresh.  Not only are they a Canadian Company but they are also USDA approved which makes all their products Organic.  Which for me usually isn't that big of a deal...except when it comes to any produce grown in the ground.

It can be hard to decide which potato to use for which dish....the types of potatoes range from purple to red to russett and on and on.  A lot of dishes can fail if you use the wrong potato.  Which is why I like what Earth Fresh has done for their consumers.  Their site provides a great "Spud Gauge" to help you determine which potato is best.  Their site is also conveniently packed with easy, fun and delicious recipes for you to try!  If its up to me, Im using Earth Fresh, and you will too once you taste the difference. 

Potato Galette

6 Large Earth Fresh Russet Potatoes
6 Sprigs of Thyme
1/4 cup Butter
1 Tablespoon of Canola Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste


~Preheat oven to 400 degrees
~Wash and dry your potatoes
~Using a mandolin, or sharp knife slice the potatoes thinly and set aside
~Chop the Butter into small pieces
~In a non stick pan, coat the bottom with the Oil a few pieces of butter
~Place a thin layer of potatoes on the bottom of the pan slightly overlapping them covering the bottom completely
~Season with salt and pepper
~Place another layer of potatoes and top with a sprinkle of thyme and few pieces of butter
~Continue to layer the potatoes and season each layer with salt and pepper
~Place the remaining pieces of butter on the top of your final layer
~Place in the oven at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes
~Using a plate, flip the potato galette onto the plate and cut into wedges
~Serve each slice with a dollop of sour cream


This dish is a great addition to any family dinner.  Its easy, fun and reheats well!  Serve it with a few different toppings of choice...sour cream and chives, cajun spiced yogurt sauce or for the kids a bottle of Ketchup will do the trick!

 Here is the link to read more about Earth Fresh and their company and what they are doing to help you and the community! http://www.earthfreshfoods.com/about/


Natalie

Turkey Chili to the Rescue

No matter how few days are left before Spring, until the first tulip has risen I find it hard to say goodbye to winter foods.   I've talked about it in several posts; how the weather makes you feel like certain dishes.  There's very few of us that feel like starting up the BBQ and have a "grilling" day in the middle of Winter.

Chili is one of my all time favourite winter dishes.  Nothing like a hot bowl of chili, packed with beans, veggies and a few slices of fresh bread that will make you feel all fuzzy inside during the cold months.

The problem I find with a lot of the chili recipes Ive tried (of course before I came up with my own rendition) they are full of meat and beans...which I guess, according to the research I've done, thats actually what chili is all about.  Its just boring though...

So, as a mom, Im always looking for ways to add nutrition to the table...in the sneakiest ways.  What better way than with Chili?!  This recipe can be done on the stove or in a slow cooker.  Ive tried it both ways, and both turned out the same. If your not planning on watching the pot all day, the slow cooker will do it for you.  This recipe is loaded with meat and veggies and spices that you will love...and so will the kiddies!  I really recommend you try it...I think your going to love it!

1 package of ground turkey (or ground meat of your choice.  I prefer turkey, high protein and low fat)
1 can Mixed Beans
1/2 onion, diced
1/2 cup red pepper, diced
1/2 cup of fresh or frozen peas
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1/3 cup dried barley
2 cans pureed tomatoes
3 cups of chicken stock
1 Tablespoon of Turmeric
1 Tablespoon of Paprika
1/2 Tablespoon dried Oregano
Salt and Pepper to taste


~Turn on your slow cooker to Low (recipe will take 6-7 hrs-perfect if your heading to work and want dinner made when you get home) OR High (recipe will take 4-5 hrs)
~Remove your meat from the package and set on a plate
~Lightly season with Salt and Pepper and place at the bottom of the slow cooker
~Clean and chop all the veggies and place on top of the turkey (or meat you've chosen to use)
~Add the peas and the Spices
~Add the tomatoes and the Chicken Stock
~Mix well until the meat has broken up into pieces.  (Don't worry about the pieces being perfectly broken down, as the chili cooks the meat will break away on its own.)
~Mix in the barley
~Put the lid on and call it a day!


This chili recipe freezes very well and also makes the best next day Sloppy Joe's.  I like to throw a handful of fresh spinach overtop of mine.  Its slowly melts like butter into the delicious mix...and its the perfect way to add more greens to your dish!


Natalie