Roast Potato Salad Michael Smith Food

ANN'S ROASTED POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Mix 6 tablespoons of olive oil, the garlic, salt, pepper and herbs. Add potatoes and toss. Spread out onto a baking sheet and bake for 55 minutes, stirring occasionally. When potatoes are golden brown remove the pan from the oven and let cool. When potatoes are cool, place them in a bowl and scrape the pan drippings into a measuring cup. Add enough oil to the drippings to measure 6 tablespoons of oil. Whisk the vinegar and mustard in a small bowl. Gradually add the oil and then mix in the shallots. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and combine. Season with salt and pepper, if needed. Add chopped basil. Let stand for 1 hour at room temperature. Serve.

GRILLED POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare a grill using the snake method or for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, stack the unlit charcoals around the perimeter of the grill, about halfway, then light the first few at one end so the snake begins to burn slowly. (This results in a controlled 325 to 350 degrees F heat.) If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat.
• Toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large bowl. Season well with salt and pepper.
• Lay out 2 sheets of aluminum foil in a cross and place the potatoes in the middle. Gather up the sides to create a foil packet, add 2 tablespoons of water and seal the foil packet.
• Place the foil packet over direct heat and steam until the potatoes are cooked through, about 30 minutes. Open the foil packet and continue to cook until the potatoes take on some smoke and dry out, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the peanuts, remaining 1/4 cup oil, vinegar, cilantro, mustard, celery seeds and sugar in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• Remove the potatoes from the grill, add to the bowl with the vinaigrette and toss to coat.
• (Alternatively, you can bake the potatoes in a 375 degrees F oven for 30 minutes.)

ROAST POTATO SALAD (MICHAEL SMITH)

Steps:

• Stack the bacon slices on top of each other then cut into thin pieces. Toss them into a large sauté pan, add a splash of water and begin heating the works over a medium-high heat. When the water evaporates and the bacon begins to brown turn the heat down a notch and continue cooking until it's all nice and crisp. Strain and reserve the fat.
• Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F Cut the potatoes in half. Toss them with the bacon fat and seasoning then roast them until they're golden brown, about forty minutes. Cool to room temperature.
• Toss the potatoes with the remaining ingredients then serve right away or save for later. This salad is great when it's made the night before the party!

ROASTED POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Cut potatoes into quarters, cover with water, salt the water, and bring to a simmer. Simmer until tender and drain, letting all the steam evaporate. When dry and cool, toss with 4 ounces extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place in a single layer on a roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes until tender and golden brown. The potatoes will need to be stirred while roasting to insure all sides are nicely browned.
• While potatoes are roasting, "shave" the fennel using a mandoline or the slicing side of a box grater. Thinly slice celery stalks and tops. Reserve.
• Make the vinaigrette: In a large bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, vinegar, and salt, to taste. Gradually whisk in the remaining 4 ounces extra-virgin olive oil. Fold in fennel seeds and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Remove roasted potatoes from oven and allow to slightly cool. Add potatoes and their oil to the vinaigrette bowl. Top with shaved celery and fennel and toss.

BACON CHEDDAR POTATO TART (MICHAEL SMITH)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Line a 6-inch non-stick fry pan with bacon slices, arranging them in a radial pattern and starting with one end of bacon in the centre of the pan and the other end draped over the edge. When the entire surface of the pan has been covered, sprinkle with pepper and add a layer of sliced potatoes to cover the bottom. Sprinkle with grated cheese, salt and pepper and repeat layers until they are slightly above the top of the pan.
• Fold the bacon, one slice at a time up and over the potato mound toward the centre. Carefully overlap each slice and repeat until the top is completely and neatly covered with bacon. Press down and cover with a lid.
• Place tart on a baking sheet, which will catch any drips during cooking. Bake for 3 hours. It has to cook low and slow so the potatoes cook and the bacon doesn't burn. The lid will eventually come down and sit on the pan as the food cooks.
• Turn pan over and invert tart onto a serving plate. Cut into 6 slices.