Potato Gnocchi Dough Food

CLASSIC POTATO LEEK SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a large wide pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, leeks and onion and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until soft and not browned, about 12 minutes. Raise the heat to medium-high, pour in the wine and continue to cook, uncovered, until almost dry, about 4 minutes.
• Add the potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, 7 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, covered, until the potatoes are very tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
• Remove and discard the thyme and bay leaf. Working in batches, transfer the mixture to a blender and carefully puree until smooth, taking care not to fill the carafe more than half full per batch, or puree with an immersion blender in the pot. Reheat the soup over medium heat until steaming.
• Whisk in the cream and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, a drizzle of oil and a frizzled leeks or shallot if using.

CLASSIC POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Boil, peel and cube 2 pounds russet potatoes; toss with 2 tablespoons cider vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix 2 cups mayonnaise, 2 chopped scallions, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 tablespoon each dijon mustard and vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and salt. Toss with the potatoes.

POTATO-CRUSTED QUICHE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Slice the potatoes lengthwise into thin ovals (use a mandoline if you have one). Toss with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then arrange in a single layer on 2 baking sheets. Bake until tender and pliable but not brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Line the side of a 9-inch pie plate with overlapping potato slices so they stick out above the rim; line the bottom with the remaining slices.
• Whisk the eggs and egg yolks, half-and-half, chives, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl; stir in 1 cup cheese. Pour into the potato-lined pie plate and scatter the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and bake the quiche until just set in the center, 40 to 50 minutes. Let cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.

POTATO HASH

Steps:

• Add 3 cloves of smashed garlic, a few large pinches of salt and potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until potatoes are just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain potatoes and discard the garlic. Transfer the potatoes to a sheet tray lined with a clean dish towel to dry slightly.
• Add enough oil to coat the bottom of a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until just translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper and the remaining 2 cloves garlic and cook, stirring, until soft and tender, about 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cooked potatoes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the potatoes start to get crispy and golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. (If the potatoes get too dry, add the chicken stock.) Remove from the heat and stir in the chives.

POTATO SKINS

Steps:

• Lightly grease outside of potatoes, cut small slit in top and bake at 425 degrees F for 45 minute or until soft. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes.
• Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out cooked potato, leaving a very thin layer of potato. (Save cooked potato for mashed potatoes or hash browns.)
• Brush outside and inside of skins with melted butter. Sprinkle inside with steak seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
• Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 8 minutes or until crisp and bubbly.
• Fill with cheddar cheese and bacon. Bake 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of chives.
• Variation: Twice Baked Potato Fingers Bake 3 large (about 5-inch) potatoes for 1 hour; cool. Cut in half lengthwise, and then lengthwise in half again, making 12 long fingers. Scoop out and proceed as above.