Pesto Potatoescooks Country Food

PERFECT SMASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Put 1 3/4 pounds baby potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Add 2 bay leaves, 2 garlic cloves and a big pinch of salt; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, discarding the bay leaves and garlic. Toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, transfer to a baking sheet and smash with a spatula or measuring cup. Drizzle with more olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Broil, turning, until crisp and golden, 15 to 20 minutes.

PESTO POTATOES(COOK'S COUNTRY)

Steps:

• Combine 2 quarts water, potatoes, and 1 tablespoon salt in Dutch oven and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are easily pierced with tip of paring knife but do not break apart, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain potatoes thoroughly and transfer to large bowl. Let potatoes cool slightly, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, toast garlic in 10-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until skins are just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add pine nuts and continue to toast until garlic is spotty brown and pine nuts are golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to plate and let cool slightly.
• When cool enough to handle, peel garlic. Process garlic, basil, ¼ cup Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, and 1 teaspoon salt in food processor until coarsely ground, about 30 seconds, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. With processor running, slowly add oil and process until smooth, about 1 minute.
• Add pesto, capers, shallot, pine nuts, and remaining ¼ cup Parmesan to potatoes and stir gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

CLASSIC PESTO

Steps:

• Place the basil, cheese, garlic and salt in a food processor; cover and pulse until chopped. Add nuts; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Store in an airtight container in the freezer up to 1 year.

DELMONICO POTATOES(COOK'S COUNTRY)

Steps:

• Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in 2 cups cream, 1 cup broth, Yukon Golds, nutmeg, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are translucent at edges and mixture is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Off heat, stir in lemon zest and juice.
• 2. Transfer potato mixture to 13- by 9-inch baking dish and bake until bubbling around edges and surface is just golden, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, melt remaining butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shredded potatoes until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Add remaining cream, remaining broth, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Off heat, stir in 1/2 cup cheese and 2 tablespoons chives.
• 3. Remove baking dish from oven and top with shredded potato mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and continue to bake until top is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining chives. Serve.
• Make Ahead: The recipe can be made through step 1. cooled completely, transferred to the baking dish, and refrigerated, covered with plastic wrap, for 1 day. To serve, proceed as directed in step 2, increasing baking time to 25 to 30 minutes.

THE BEST CLASSIC PESTO

Steps:

• Pulse basil and garlic in a food processor about 8 times until finely chopped. Add toasted pine nuts and salt; turn processor on low and drizzle olive oil through the chute until everything is incorporated. Add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice; pulse 2 times.

LOADED RUSTIC MASHED POTATOES - COOK'S COUNTRY

Steps:

• Place potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in large saucepan, add water to cover by 1 inch; bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender and paring knife can be easily slipped into and out of potatoes, 18 to 22 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook bacon in 10-inch skillet over medium heat until crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate. Combine half-and-half and butter in 2-cup liquid measuring cup and microwave, covered, until butter is melted and mixture is warm to touch, about 2 minutes.
• Drain potatoes and return them to saucepan. Using potato masher, mash potatoes until smooth and no lumps remain. Stir in half-and-half mixture, pepper and salt just until fully combined. Stir in cheddar, sour cream, chives and bacon until incorporated; try not to overwork.