Yum! Yum!
Some people love bread, some love cake, some love candy but me? Oh no, bread, especially warm crispy bread that is served as appetizers in Leona's, for example, with some nice garlic butter is quite delicious that's for sure. But, if it wasn't there, I wouldn't miss it, unlike some of us who are practically crack fiends for some freshly baked, warm buttered bread. Then there are those that don't feel as though their meal is complete unless they have a piece of cake at the end. I can understand wanting, needing dessert but again, if I don't have something sweet at the end of my meal, I'm alright with that.
But baby, I have to tell you, I am a 'crack fiend' when it comes to potatoes. Oh how I love my potatoes! I have to say, if ever there was a food that I'm a slave to, it's the mighty spud!
Potatoes have gotten a bad rap because they are a carbohydrate but; did you know that the potato actually has 0 (zero) grams of fat. Carbohydrates in general have gotten a bad rap but the fact is, we need carbohydrates for energy. The problem occurs when people overuse carbohydrates. While it's true that carbs have the ability to become fat if they're not used properly, that only happens if you eat carbs and then go park yourself on the couch like a bump on a log.
Potatoes actually re-energize your body, especially after a grueling workout. Potatoes may be your best friend because not only do they give you the good kind of carbs, potatoes have been known to soothe ruffled nerves and elevate your mood. Isn't that great? A get happy spud! I'll take one of those any day of the week vs all of the unhealthy alternatives.
Ever wonder why those french fries make you feel as if all is right with the world? Even though that isn't the ideal way to get your potatoes for the optimal benefits they provide, there is a method to the madness. Potatoes are packed with Vitamin B6, which is needed to boost serotonin which is actually the natural brain chemical that makes you feel so happy. Get this, potatoes are also a great source of potassium. Better even than the banana! That's something I was elated to find since I really don't like bananas. If you have the right amount of potassium, that will help you beat high blood pressure too.
Alright, even though I've given up my beloved potatoes for lent, there's no reason you should suffer. Try this recipe I've been indulging in far too often and you'll soon be getting your potassium, Vitamin C and B6 in all at the same time! It's for Garlic Crisp Potatoes and it's sooo much better for you than those fast food french fries you're addicted to.
Garlic Crisp Potatoes
1 large baking potato (scrub it really good but don't peel it)
2 teaspoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dillweed
1/8 teaspoon of fine and freshly ground white and black pepper
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Farenheit. Thinly slice the potato crosswise, using a knife. Brush the slices with the oil. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with the garlic, dillweed, and pepper. Bake for about 10 minutes or until crispy. Using a thin spatula, transfer them immediately to dinner plate. This should be enough for at least TWO people. Happy Eating people! Let me know how you like it! :)
