Smashed Spud Patties With Tapenade Cream Food

POTATO, BACON AND SAUERKRAUT PATTIES

Steps:

• Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large (preferably non-stick) pan, add the bacon and cook for about a minute, then add the onions and cook for another minute, or until the onion is just beginning to soften. Put the pan aside for use later in cooking the patties.
• In a medium-to-large bowl, combine the mashed potato, (optional) sour cream, the well-drained Edgell Sauerkraut, the egg, the cooked onion and bacon, the brown sugar, the caraway seeds and freshly ground black pepper, and (if necessary) salt, and mix well to combine all the ingredients.
• Shape the mixture into 1/2 cup patties. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan used for cooking the bacon and onions, add the patties and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
• Serve as part of a "big breakfast" or with barbecued sausages.
• TIP: Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme can be added in step 2.

SMASHED POTATOES WITH TAPENADE CRUST

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a large saucepan and add the red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt to taste. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook at a low boil 12 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to be pierced with a skewer. Drain in a colander; do not allow them to cool, or they will break instead of smash.
• Put a potato on a clean dishcloth on a work surface, cover with another clean dishcloth, and using the palm of your hand, slowly and gently smash (crush) the potato. Transfer to a tray. Repeat with the remaining potatoes. Spoon the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil over the potatoes. Do not oil the bottoms of the potatoes, or the tapenade will not stick well when it is applied.
• Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-low heat until a drop of water sizzles on the surface. Put the potatoes on the hot surface, oiled side down, and cook until they are crisp on the first side, about 5 minutes: DON'T MOVE THEM! Transfer to a tray, crisp side down.
• Slide a wide spatula under a crisped potato. Spread a heaping tablespoon of tapenade on top, and press down lightly to compact the crust. With one quick move, flip the potato over onto the hot surface, tapenade side down, and lower the heat slightly. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, and brown them for about 7 minutes, or until the tapenade is crisp. Carefully remove the potatoes as they are cooked and invert onto a serving platter, tapenade crust facing up. Serve immediately.

CREAM CHEESE & TAPENADE MEDITERRANEAN SANDWICH

Steps:

• Slice baguette in half lengthwise.
• Spread tapenade evenly on one side.
• Spread cream cheese evenly on other side.
• Spread greens on top of tapenade.
• Layer artichoke hearts, tomato slices, bell peppers on top!
• Place baguette slice with cream cheese on top of the other slice, slice, and.
• Enjoy!

MASHED POTATO CAKES

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients.
• If mashed potatoes are warm, chill for a couple of hours.
• Form into 4-6 patties about 1/2" thick.
• If mixture is too moist to form patties, add a little flour.
• Dip in flour.
• Saute slowly in butter, adding more as needed, until crispy on the outside and golden brown.
• Great with bratwurst, ham, meatloaf, or any meat that doesn't have gravy.
• Also good with bacon and eggs for breakfast.

FRIED POTATO PATTIES

Steps:

• Combine first 7 ingredients; chill.
• Shape mixture into 6 patties.
• Dip each patty into lightly beaten egg then lightly coat with breadcrumbs.
• Heat vegetable oil and fry over medium heat until lightly browned, turning once.
• Tip: If you feel your potatoes are too watery, lightly dust with flour prior to dipping into the egg wash.