potatoes » Living Lou

Garlic Smashed Potatoes

I really love potatoes, especially in the summer, they are just such a great side dish to go along with grilled chicken or steak.

This recipe for Garlic Smashed Potatoes comes from the lovely Jen of Jen’s Journey, which was my assigned blog for this month’s Secret Recipe Club. Jen’s site is full of fun giveaways as well as many recipes, I was originally planning on making her Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus but these potatoes were calling my name. The only major change I made to the recipe was cutting down on the amount of butter. After reading many posts on Jen’s site, I feel like I’ve really grown to know her, she is so honest and open which is something that I really appreciate when reading a blog.

This recipe makes enough for about 3 people, but can easily be doubled.

Garlic Smashed Potatoes (serves 3)
Recipe from: Jen’s Journey

Ingredients
1 lbs of new potatoes
olive oil for the pan
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 tsp paprika
2 tbsp melted butter
2 cloves garlic, crushed

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 400.

Boil potatoes for 12-15 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, prepare a baking sheet by spreading olive oil on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the baking sheet with salt. N

Next, combine garlic with butter in a bowl.

Place the potatoes 2 inches apart and using a potato masher, smash the potatoes. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper and paprika. Brush evenly with butter and garlic mixture.

Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are crispy.

I find that these Garlic Smashed Potatoes go really well with summer, like the way country music goes so well with summer. Am I right or am I right?

- Lou

Oven Fries

Aren’t oven fries the best? They are homier and more comforting than regular fries, right? Plus they’re healthier because they’re baked not fried.

I don’t know about you, but I’m sold on oven fries. Have I sold you on them yet? Aside from oven fries, I have another recent obsession. I like to call it “puppy in an Ugg boot”. Meet Sophie!!! She’s a Morkie – half Maltese, half Yorkie.

Sophie is such a little rascal, here she is playing with my sweet Mother. I’ve talked about my good ‘ol Dad on here before, but have somehow not really talked about my Mom. I think these photos say it all – isn’t she the best. She’s also obsessed with soup, so many of the soup recipes on here have been inspired by her.

Have I mentioned that I’m obsessed with my pup? She’s insane but so cute.

So, that explains my slight absence, plus we’re deep in finals, my friends. Deep. As in I will be spending the entire weekend preparing for my THREE exams happening on Monday and Tuesday. Hold me.

Oven Fries (serves 2-4)
Recipe by Lou

Ingredients

2 lbs potatoes, cut into wedges
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
3/4 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp onion powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Toss potato wedges in olive oil. Add spices, toss to coat.

Arrange, in one layer, on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.

A super easy, and tasty side dish or snack. I love to dip them in a lot of ketchup. Mmm!

- Lou