Crispy Potato Nests With Cherry Ketchup Food

CRISPY POTATO NESTS WITH CHERRY KETCHUP

Steps:

• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the ketchup and cherry preserves. Puree until smooth. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
• Heat the oil in a medium Dutch oven or deep saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer. In a small bowl, mix together the salt and cinnamon. Using the medium-thick blade on a spiralizer, cut the potatoes into spirals.
• In small batches (about 3/4 cup each), fry the potatoes, turning them as needed with a spider so they brown evenly, until they are lightly golden and crispy, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the potato nests to a paper towel-lined tray and sprinkle with some of the salt mixture. Serve the cherry ketchup alongside the potato nests for dipping.

POTATO NESTS

Steps:

• Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with about 4 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F over medium heat.
• Peel the potato and grate it with a mandoline, making strings about 2 millimeters thick. Rinse the potato strings in a strainer under cold running water. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and spread the potato strings on the towels. Top with more paper towels to dry.
• Place the potato strings in a spider strainer, filling the bottom and going up the sides creating a "nest." Place a slotted spoon on top of the strainer to keep the potato strings in place and carefully lower the strainer and spoon together into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on a baking sheet lined with a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt. Continue with the remaining potato strings.

CRISPIEST EVER POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Add the potatoes to a large saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add the baking soda and 1 tablespoon salt to the water. Cover, place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Uncover and continue to boil until the potatoes give easily when pierced with the tip of a knife, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set the strainer over the top of the pan for a few minutes so the outsides of the potatoes can dry.
• Dump the potatoes onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil and toss with the garlic, thyme and rosemary until the potatoes are completely coated in the oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Using a small juice glass or glass bowl, smash each potato firmly but gently. (You want to just crack the skins and flatten slightly while keeping the potatoes mostly intact.)
• Roast until the bottoms of the potatoes are deep golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the potatoes using a spatula. Roast until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on both sides, an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a platter with a metal spatula. Serve while hot.