The Idaho Legacy

Potatoes. One of the most bland and diverse foods on the planet and yet one of my favorites. I love potatoes, anyway and every way. Most of the United States' potatoes come from Idaho as most of us Utahns are aware, however Idaho and the United States plays but a small role in potato production. China oddly is the world's leading potato grower. I found this fascinating and then this picture of little Chinese people with giant potatoes filled my mind. While unrealistic it was fun to pretend for a few moments that this was real.

The average person eats 73 pounds of potatoes a year. This is about the weight of my little sister. I find it strange to believe that I eat my little sister's weight in potatoes every year, and it's quite possible I eat more than 73 pounds, as previously mentioned I love potatoes. Who could not love potatoes though? With dozens of things to do with them and ways to make them flavorful there is a potato for everyone in the world.

Gnocci's--potato based dumplings. Delicious, most commonly known at the moment by being in soup served at the Olive Garden.
Funeral Potatoes--I would not be a proper Utahn without giving these potatoes proper credit. These delicious casserole style potatoes with about a million calories are among my top 3 favorite potatoes. Delicious is all there is to say about them.
Baked and Boiled--While among the simplest and dullest ways to cook potatoes, they are still delicious (as long as you add large quantities of salt as all potatoes need.)
Mashed--This Thanksgiving staple can be made many different ways but most of us find ourselves eating far too many when they are put in front of us.
The Fried Varieties--They are dozens of different styles of fried potatoes. They are all still french fries and delicious, add a little fry sauce and your in business.
Au Gratin and Casserole--Millions of calories and potatoes...what gets better than this?
Breakfast Potatoes--We've added this staple to lunch and dinner why not add it to breakfast?
Potato Soup, Potatoes in Soup or Potatoes in anything else--why not?

There are many more things to do with potatoes. At the restaurant we use potatoes in at least 4 dishes. This week alone we use over 150 pounds of potatoes, next week I'm sure we'll use more.

As someone wise once told me, "I love potatoes! Potatoes are like heaven! I could live off of potatoes!"

I could.

Pork Belly...a Gift from the Gods.

Last week at work we had a pork salad special. It was divine. Braised pork belly, then fried (so it became darn good bacon) with brussel sprouts. It was garnished with carrot, lemon and lime picklins (also delicious), celery ribbons and wishbone scallions. It was beautiful and tasty. This got me thinking. Who doesn't like bacon? and What doesn't seem better with bacon on it? We use bacon a lot in the restaurant. It goes in our pasta, we serve it at breakfast, and we make salads from it just to name a few. I was taught in school a warm bacon dressing and now bacon is even crossing the line into desserts.

I've been obsessed with my thoughts of bacon lately. I don't eat it much despite being what appears to be surrounded by it but once I eat one slice it's like I have a sick addiction. I end up eating at least five or six pieces. I then feel so guilty for devouring it with such pleasure. I quickly vow to never it do it again and then yet two days lately I am devouring it again. Addiction. Yet, I ask myself does not half of America share in my addiction?

A few examples to illustrate my point.

Example 1:
A few days ago some lady who works across the street from the restaurant called. It was breakfast time and since starting breakfast just 4 days ago our numbers aren't well let's just say aren't as high as we would like. We were all hard at work prepping for the day when our printers started humming. An order came through for 2 sides of bacon. That's it. The whole order consisted of 6 slices of bacon. I was in awe. I mean I know sometimes I slip at breakfast and eat 6 slices when things are a bit slow...but I have never actually gone to a place and order just bacon. This lady was coming from across the street for bacon. I was awestruck. Someone else shared my addiction.

Example 2:
I googled things to with bacon recently. I just wanted to see how creative people were. The first hit I got was 1001 things to do with bacon. Now there are many 101 things to do with whatever but 1001 with bacon. I was amazed. Not only that there is over 1000 different things to do with bacon besides just cooking it up and eating it, but that somebody has taken the time to try 1001 different things with bacon. I wonder what their cholesterol is like? Have they needed open-heart surgery yet? I know that the first time I try things new they don't always work out. Normally by try 3 their great... How many times did this person have to make these 1001 things? My addiction may be but a small problem. I felt better after reading that article.

The roots of the story is this. Whoever discovered that eating the abs of pigs were good deserves a medal, and a million thanks not to mention the worlds' riches. We are truly a nation addicted to many things-pork belly being one of them. It is a sad truth. Next time you are whipping something up ask yourself...Would this be better with bacon? The answer might surprise you.

Pork Belly...truly a gift.

45 People!!

Today we had a party at work...45 people at the same time, oh and did I mention that was in addition to our normal lunch service. It was madness. There was so many people behind the line running around. It was I need the pasta...where's the cheese? How are the burgers coming? Do you have fries ready? Is my soup boiling...oh no it's burning... The list goes on and on. It was crazy and yet incredibly fun. I had a blast despite the organized chaos! I wish I could possibly describe the rush you feel running around in circles with panic going through your brain trying to remain calm on the outside because did I mention that I work in a open kitchen? It is fun though. I get to see the customers and talk to some of them. It is distracting though because I love to people watch and you get interesting people in the restaurant and everyone eats so different and I find it fascinating...which makes me distracted often. It's not a good thing! Tomorrow I work the line for dinner and it's Friday which means busy busy! Just the way I like it! My family is also coming to eat tomorrow minus Nicole...sorry you can't make it! Come eat on anther day though. I am excited to see what my family thinks although it is a bit different than places we normally eat. It's amazing food but very modern and on the fine dining side! Wish me luck!!

Trying to Blog again!

I decided I would try and blog again....with more purpose this time! I am so excited to be living in Utah again although I am missing my Arizona winters. Since finishing culinary school in December (Thank Goodness!) I am setting off to a life in food. I am working at a new restaurant in downtown Salt Lake called the Copper Onion.
It is a trendy casual fine dining restaurant with modern American food. It is fun and creative and most important one of the best learning experiences I could ask for. It main draw to me was that is specializes in from scratch cooking. Homemade everything! (YUM YUM!) From the homemade pasta, to cheese and great bread. We have amazing vegetables and our proteins are nice and fresh, many fabricated in house. Our desserts are stellar and our homemade ice creams are creative and delicious! I don't want to sound bias or anything since I do work there but the food really is great. Everything I have ate there has been amazing.
I think I was most impressed recently with the brussel sprouts. I am not a big fan...they are mini cabbages as my mom says and I don't like them. I tried them at work and was amazed at good they were. They were nothing like the mini cabbages from my past. They are excellent!
Come by and check it out! You won't leave hungry!!