LIGHTHOUSE INN LEGENDARY POTATOES ~ BLOG 366.340

Chef Leon “Wally” Walden worked at the Lighthouse Inn for 50 years. He was known for many dishes, but these potatoes in a rich cream sauce topped with golden crumbs were probably one of the most beloved “LEGENDARY” dishes and a local favorite. This recipe was adapted by an America’s Test Kitchen test cook by adding the baking soda to help keep the sauce from breaking. I added the onion powder and sliced onions. They remind me of half mashed and half scalloped – truly one of our family favorites.

LIGHTHOUSE INN (New London, Connecticut) LEGENDARY POTATOES (adapted from Chef Leon Walden)

Prep time 10 minutes
Simmer time 25 minutes
Bake time 20 minutes
Rest time 10 minutes
Total time 1 hour 5 minutes

3 cups half & half
2 1/2 pounds (3-4 potatoes) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 small onion, sliced

1/8 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon FRESH ground black pepper
11 tablespoons butter
2 ounces FRESHLY ground Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko bread crumbs

  • Whisk together the half and half, baking soda, onion powder, 2 teaspoons of FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • In a large pot or sauce pan combine 2 1/2 cups of the half & half, potatoes chunks, onion slices, baking soda, onion powder, 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil over medium high heat, but immediately lower to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Stir often to avoid sticking and burning.
  • While potatoes are simmering, preheat oven to 375°.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in 9×13 baking dish. Brush butter up all 4 sides.
  • In a small bowl melt 4 tablespoons butter.
  • Add Parmesan cheese, Panko crumbs, pepper and remaining salt.
  • When potatoes are tender mix in remaining half & half, 6 tablespoons of butter, stirring gently until butter is melted.
  • Arrange potatoes in prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle panko mixture evenly over top.
  • Bake 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are hot, bubbly and browned.
  • Remove potatoes from the oven and cool 10 minutes before serving.

NOTE:

  • Can easily be made in individual ramekins for more elegant presentation.
  • Works well with Gluten Free bread crumbs instead of Panko crumbs.

PEASANT STEW ~ BLOG 366.333

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! This isn’t today’s meal, but was scrumptious enough that it could be if we weren’t turkey people!

PEASANT STEW

1 + 1 tablespoon butter
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans fire roasted tomatoes, undrained
4 medium carrots, sliced thin
2 celery stalks, sliced thin
1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
1 1/2 cup homemade broth
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1-2 tablespoon Montreal hamburger seasoning
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • In a large dutch oven melt 1 tablespoon butter.
  • Add ground beef and onions.
  • Brown beef and onions until cooked through and beef is completely crumbled.
  • Drain well.
  • Add butter, carrots, celery and potatoes to pot and saute several minutes until starting to soften.
  • Add tomatoes, water and rice.
  • Return meat and onions to pan.
  • Season to taste with Montreal hamburger seasoning and FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Bring to a SLOW gentle boil, reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes and rice are tender.

SMOTHERED POTATOES ~ BLOG 366.249

This is one of those recipes I found written on a scrap piece of paper in the bottom of an antique recipe box. Whoever wrote it had written a side note saying it was excellent.

 

SMOTHERED POTATOES

2 extra large russet potatoes,baked, cooled and sliced
3-4 strips bacon, diced, cooked crisp, reserve rendered fat
1 LARGE shallot, diced
1/2-1 SMALL red pepper, diced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • In the same pan you cooked the bacon, add shallot pieces, cooking 1 minute.
  • Add red pepper pieces, cooking until peppers are softened.
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Spray baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Layer potatoes in baking dish, seasoning with FRESH ground sea salt, black pepper and paprika.
  • Sprinkle with bacon pieces and cheese.
  • Bake 10 minutes until heated through.

CRISPY PARMESAN POTATOES ~ BLOG 366.200

This dish works well with mashed potatoes for a more elegant look or shredded potatoes for that rustic feel and tastes fantastic either way.

CRISPY PARMESAN POTATOES
5 pounds russet potatoes
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups sour cream (FULL fat)
10 tablespoons butter, melted and divided
1/2 cup whole milk (if using mashed)
1 1/2 cups powdered Parmesan cheese or FINELY grated
2 cups grated Monterey jack cheese
1 cup FINELY grated Parmesan cheese
1 SMALL bunch green onions, minced
2 mini red peppers, sliced thin
1 1/2 cups French’s fried onions

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease 9×9 baking dish.

 

  • For the mashed version, peel and cook potatoes in boiling water until fork tender.
  • Drain.
  • Combine the potatoes with the whole milk, 5 tablespoons melted butter and sour cream, blending until potatoes are smooth.
  • Fold in the 1 1/2 cups powdered Parmesan and Jack cheeses.
  • Fold in peppers and green onions.
  • Transfer the potatoes to the baking dish.
  • Combine the fried onions, 1 cup FINELY grated Parmesan cheese and remaining butter.
  • Sprinkle evenly over the potatoes.
  • Bake 45 minutes until heated through and golden. Tent with foil after 25 minutes to prevent burning.

 

  • For the shredded version, peel and rough grate potatoes, drying in cheesecloth.
  • Combine the potatoes with 5 tablespoons melted butter and sour cream.
  • Fold in the 1 1/2 cups powdered Parmesan and Jack cheeses.
  • Fold in peppers and green onions.
  • Transfer the potatoes to the baking dish.
  • Combine the fried onions, 1 cup FINELY grated Parmesan cheese and remaining butter.
  • Sprinkle evenly over the potatoes.
  • Bake 45 minutes until heated through and golden. Tent with foil after 25 minutes to prevent burning.

MISSISSIPPI MUD POTATOES ~ BLOG 366.184

This dish full of golden potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese and crisp bacon is baked to a perfect blending making it a decadent and hearty side dish full of creamy texture, rich flavors and a bit of crunch that you’ll find in every good southern cooks recipe box. I’d wager it is prepared by at least one cook for every church supper and/or holiday meal. These are the PERFECT comfort food! The key to these delectable potatoes is baking them LOW & SLOW so the flavors meld together!

Research on how the recipe originally acquired its name shows very little on the original version – its exact origins are unclear and as muddy as the name, but appears to have been named for the earthy flavors and the “muddy” mixture of ingredients. It does embody the spirit of Southern cooking with its generous use of local staples like potatoes and bacon, making them that staple in Southern kitchens and beyond.

MISSISSIPPI MUD POTATOES
6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup DUKES mayonnaise
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1/2 cup FINELY chopped green onions

  • Preheat your oven to 325°.
  • Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  • Mix together the diced potatoes, cheese, bacon, garlic and onion.
  • In a larger bowl whisk the FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper into the mayonnaise.
  • Fold the potato mixture into the mayonnaise mixture until everything is evenly coated.
  • Spread into prepared baking dish.
  • Bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
  • Serve hot!

THYME ROASTED BABY YUKON POTATOES

THYME ROASTED BABY YUKON POTATOES
2 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes
2 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground Himalayan Pink Sea Salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped FRESH thyme
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

  • Heat oven to 400°.
  • In a large bowl, toss clean washed potatoes with the avocado oil, salt and pepper.
  • Transfer potato mixture to a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Roast potatoes, stirring a couple times, for 20 minutes or until JUST tender.
  • Sprinkle with thyme and roast another 10 minutes.
  • Transfer potatoes back to large bowl.
  • Sprinkle potatoes with vinegar, tossing to coat.
  • Serve.

HORSERADISH POTATO CRUSTED BEEF STEW

Another RECIPE SCRAP recipe wins!  The horseradish and cheddar cheese combo is AWESOME! and really elevates a basic stew to the next level.

HORSERADISH POTATO CRUSTED BEEF STEW

STEW
1 1/2 pounds lean stew meat, diced small bite sized
1 cup blended red wine
1/2 cup Moscato white wine
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
FRESH ground salt and pepper, to taste
1 orange, sliced
1/3 cup Wondra
1 large Vidalia onion, quartered and sliced
4 carrots, sliced into thick chunks
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
3/4 cup beef bone broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • Place half the orange slices the bottom of a non-metallic bowl.
  • Top with beef pieces.
  • Generously season with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Top with the remaining orange slices.
  • Whisk together the wines and caraway seeds.
  • Pour over beef, cover and marinade over night or at least 4 hours.

 

  • Preheat oven 325°.
  • Drain the beef WELL, discard oranges, but reserve the marinade.
  • Heat the oil over medium high heat in dutch oven.
  • Generously season the beef with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dredge the beef in the Wondra.
  • Sear the beef pieces.
  • Add the onions, garlic and carrots and simmer 5 minutes or so.
  • Add mushrooms.
  • Whisk together the cornstarch with the beef stock and marinade, whisking until blended. Stir into stew.
  • Season to taste.
  • Cover and cook in oven 45 minutes.

CRUST – prepare potato crust so it is ready at the 45 minute mark
1 1/2 pounds YUKON potatoes, grated
1 tablespoon Avocado oil or 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons creamy horseradish
2/3 cup grated SHARP cheddar cheese
FRESH ground salt and pepper, to taste

  • Blanch the grated potatoes for 5 minutes in boiling water.
  • Drain well.
  • Use a cheesecloth to squeeze any remaining liquid from the potatoes.
  • Stir in avocado oil, horseradish, cheese and season to taste.
  • Layer potatoes evenly over the stew.
  • Increase the oven temperature to 400°.
  • Cook 30 minutes more until the potato crust is crisp and golden brown.

ITALIAN DEVIL CHICKEN & TOMATO POTATO CASSEROLE

These two recipes go hand in hand for us.  The marinade on the chicken makes it sooooooooo tender and flavorful too. The tomato potato casserole is good, but add the sauce and it ALL comes together as GREAT & YUMMY! 😀

ITALIAN DEVIL CHICKEN & TOMATO POTATO CASSEROLE

ITALIAN DEVIL CHICKEN
1 pound Chicken tenders
2 ounces avocado oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
2 tablespoons Frank’s Original Hot Sauce
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
Wondra flour for dredging
1 tablespoon butter

  • Whisk together the avocado oil, lemon juice, garlic and hot sauce.
  • Season chicken tenders generously with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Add chicken pieces to a shallow dish and pour marinade over top.
  • Cover and chill 4-8 hours or overnight.

 

  • Melt butter in skillet over medium heat.
  • Drain marinade off chicken pieces.
  • Dredge chicken pieces in flour and add to skillet.
  • Sear chicken pieces 2-3 minutes each side until golden and cooked through.
  • Remove chicken pieces and keep warm while preparing sauce.

SAUCE
4 ounces tomato pesto
1 cup Marsala wine

  • In the same skillet add wine being sure to scrape up all the browned bits.
  • Whisk in tomato pesto and simmer on medium high 5-6 minutes until heated through and slightly reduced.
  • Serve sauce over chicken pieces.

TOMATO POTATO CASSEROLE
potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
Italian Roma tomatoes, sliced thin
Vidalia onion, sliced thin
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
Parmesan Cheese, grated
FRESH basil leaves, torn, to taste
5-6 tablespoons Avocado oil
1/4 cup water

  • Spray baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Arrange potatoes in a layer, followed by a layer of onions and then a layer of tomatoes.
  • Sprinkle with basil leaves, to taste.
  • Season each layer to taste.
  • Repeat layers ending with the Parmesan cheese.
  • Sprinkle oil over cheese layer evenly.
  • Pour water over top.
  • Bake covered for 30 minutes.
  • Bake for another 30 minutes or until tender and cheese is golden.

ULTRA CREAMY MASHED POTATOES & FLAVORFUL GRAVY

I start the prep for my gravy 2 days before the holiday. I use whatever green veggies I have in my crisper to begin my gravy.

ULTRA CREAMY MASHED POTATOES & FLAVORFUL SCRATCH GRAVY

ULTRA CREAMY MASHED POTATOES
3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon FRESH ground sea salt
1/4 teaspoon FRESH ground black pepper

  • In a large saucepan add potatoes, chicken broth and enough water to cover the potatoes.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  • Drain.
  • In a large bowl combine the butter and cream.
  • Add potatoes to bowl and whip until creamy.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve immediately.

SCRATCH GRAVY
Turkey parts from the cavity
4 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion (skin on), chopped
1 shallot (skin on), chopped
2-4 cloves garlic (skin on), crushed
1 large bunch thyme
1 large bunch oregano
FRESH ground sea salt, to taste
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
any other greens (asparagus, snap peas…)
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup COLD water

  • In a large stock pot add all the above and bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 3-4 hours.
  • Strain broth and discard all bones and remnants.
  • Return broth to pan.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and water.
  • Whisk cornstarch mixture into the broth until thickened.
  • Season to taste.

MELTING POTATOES

MELTING POTATOES serves 4
1 1/2 pounds Yukon potatoes, peeled
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon FRESH minced thyme
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3/4 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon finely minced parsley

  • Preheat oven to 500°.
  • Cut of potato ends so they are flat.
  • Slice each potato 1 inch slices.
  • Whisk together the butter, salt, pepper and thyme.
  • Toss potatoes in butter mixture.
  • Arrange potatoes in a single layer in a 13×9 inch baking dish.
  • Roast potatoes for 15 minutes.
  • Use a metal spatula to loosen and flip potatoes.
  • Return to oven and roast another 15 minutes.
  • Whisk together the chicken broth and garlic.
  • Flip potatoes again.
  • Add chicken broth and garlic to pan.
  • Return to oven and roast another 25 minutes until potatoes are cooked through and sauce has reduced.
  • Spoon a small amount of sauce over each potato as you serve it.
  • Top with minced parsley.

SWEDISH MEATLOAVES with MASHED POTATOES, ROASTED CARROTS & LINGONBERRY JAM with HOUSE SEASONING

Meatloaf is really just an oversized meatball. So, why not make it a personal size so you can get more finished edges covered in delicious gravy?

Swedish Meat Loaves are spicy beef meatloaves smothered in a rich tasty gravy served over mashed potatoes with roasted carrots with Lingonberry jam on the side—in other words, Thanksgiving for the rest of the year.

SWEDISH MEATLOAVES with MASHED POTATOES, ROASTED CARROTS & LINGONBERRY JAM

2 Carrots, peeled and sliced into thick coins
3/4 pound Yukon potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/3 cup minced yellow onion
several sprigs Parsley, finely chopped
1 slice white bread
3 tablespoons + 1/4 cup milk
2/3 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup beef consomme
2 tablespoon Lingonberry Jam
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoons butter
FRESH ground salt and pepper, taste

  • PREHEAT oven to 425° and adjust rack to upper position.
  • Toss carrots on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil and a large pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Roast in oven for 15 minutes.
  • Add potatoes to a medium pot with a large pinch of salt and enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to empty pot off heat.
  • Place bread and 3 tablespoons milk in a medium bowl. Break up bread with your hands until pasty.
  • Add in beef, 2 tablespoons minced onion, half the parsley, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper and salt to taste. Mix by hand gently until thoroughly mixed.
  • Shape mixture into two 1-inch-tall loaves.
  • Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add meatloaves and cook until browned on surface but not yet cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
  • Once carrots have roasted about 15 minutes, remove sheet from oven and give carrots a toss. Add meatloaves to same sheet and place back in oven.
  • Bake until meatloaves are cooked through and carrots are tender, about 15 minutes more.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same pan you browned the meatloaves in over medium heat.
  • Add remaining minced onion. Cook, sauteing, until soft, about 2 minutes.
  • Add flour and cook, stirring, until pasty, about 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in beef stock and 1/4 cup milk.
  • Bring to a simmer, then whisk until thickened, about 1 minute.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.
  • Add more water if too thick.
  • Place pot with potatoes over low heat.
  • Add 1/4 cup milk and 1 tablespoon butter mashing until smooth. Add more milk if too stiff.
    Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
  • Plate potatoes and meatloaves.
  • Drizzle with gravy.
  • Add carrots and jam to the side.
  • Garnish with remaining parsley.

HOUSE SEASONING MIX

1/4 cup fine sea salt
1/4 cup garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon FRESH ground black pepper

  • Combine in a small bowl until well blended.
  • Store in an air tight container.

HEAVENLY HASH

This is a VERY versatile recipe!! With using what is on hand I often trade out the flavor of soup (I used cream of Poblano today), the green onions (I had a shallot that needed using), the hash browns (I used tater tots) and the cheese (I used a combination of Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar and Mozzarella to use up 3 partial blocks). The only thing I think CANNOT be changed is the honeybaked ham and I usually have some i the freezer leftover from whatever previous holiday just occurred.  It adds such a unique flavor!

HEAVENLY HASH
2 pounds OreIda frozen diced hash brown potatoes
1 can cream of celery soup
2 + cups diced ham (HONEY BAKED HAM)
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 bunch green onions, finely diced
1 3/4 cups grated cheddar cheese ( I use a combo of medium, sharp and Skellig Sweet)
1 cup crushed potato chips

  • Preheat 350°.
  • Spray large flat baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Whisk together soup, sour cream and seasonings until smooth.
  • Fold in the ham and green onions.
  • Fold in 1 1/4 cups of the cheese.
  • Fold in hash browns.
  • Spread into prepared baking dish.*
  • Bake until top is slightly golden , about 1 hour.
  • Sprinkle with last cup of cheese and potato chips and bake additional 10 minutes.

NOTES:

  • Great for brunches and large groups.
  • We like a firmer casserole so I use a flatter baking dish to spread out the mixture.