Smashed Potatoes!

I know I sound like a big a big loser. But, I just discovered a new way to do potatoes and I'm excited! I was reading my friend Alicia's blog, http://poiseinparma.com/, and agree that sometimes, cooking a good meal at home can me so much more gratifying than eating out. I too, get into the cooking process, and find it relaxing.

B and I spent the morning at the Westside market, and hungry let me add, bought a tone of produce and snacks. We decided to cook a simple meal of grilled flank steak, asparagus, and smashed potatoes. Yes, everyone knows we will be eating gallons of mashed potatoes at the end of this week(Thanksgiving, yeh!), so, I varied it up tonight with "smashed potatoes". Yes, there is a subtle difference.

Smashed potatoes are prepared as follows: 1. Boil some small redskin potatoes for about 20 minutes with the skin on. 2. drain potatoes and smash slightly with a spoon until they double in diameter. 3. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 4. Other herbs such as rosemary or thyme can also be sprinkled over the top. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees or until browned. They are crispy, delicious, and yes, healthier! No butter or sour cream(which by the way, is stocked in my frig for later this week) means less saturated fat and cholesterol.






Next we had asparagus. I tossed the asparagus in olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. Then I broiled it for about 10 minutes in a 450 degree oven. It had a richer flavor as compared to boiling or steaming.





And lastly, the grilled flank steak. Yum. We bought Northwoods rub from Penzey's spice store to season the steak prior to grilling. Yes, Penzeys is now open across from the Westside Market in Cleveland. Happy! Happy!

Flank steak is a lean cut of beef. We simply grilled for 10 minutes per side.

Can't get easier or more delish(new word) than this.... I love being home.