Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Mashed Potato Cakes (what to do with those leftover mashed potatoes)

Yes, I made mashed potatoes this week. I am still baby sitting with my adorable granddaughter and she loves mashed potatoes. I had quite a few left over so I did what my mother used to do when my brother and I were little -I made Mashed Potato Cakes. We absolutely loved them. She always browned them in butter, so they were crispy on the outside. Good stuff! This is not really a recipe, but a quick and delicious way to use up those left-over mashed potatoes. These cakes are made with cold potatoes that are already well seasoned. It does not work well if you added too much liquid to the potatoes when you first mashed them and they were rather soupy. You need mashed potatoes that hold their shape well. I sometimes add an egg to the potatoes and maybe some fresh chives, before I make the patties. The egg helps hold them together better, I think. Here's how I make them.

MASHED POTATO CAKES
from Lynda's Recipe Box

In a large bowl, add the cold, left over mashed potatoes-I had about 3 1/2 cups.
Add 1 egg and some fresh chives, if desired. Mix well with a fork. Make potatoes into small patties about an inch thick, and no wider than the spatula you are going to use. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add enough oil to just cover the bottom of the pan. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan also. When the oil is hot and butter is melted, place the potato cakes into the pan. Let them cook until brown, then carefully turn them over to brown on the other side. Do not flip them again as they can fall apart with too much handling. When brown on the other side, remove them to a platter. Serve hot. They are a delicious side dish to any meat; crisp and buttery on the outside and soft mashed potatoes on the inside. And you have used your leftovers to make another tasty dish.
Enjoy!

Here's my granddaughter at her birthday party earlier this week. She's loving the bags that the gifts came in, while her mother looks at the actual gifts. What fun it was! She looked so cute in her little Tutu that she wore, but it was falling down in this shot.

Have a great week!


13 comments:

  1. They look super and always a favorite around here. We always make a lot of extra mashed taters just for the cakes. I like the chive addition.

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  2. I love trying the different variations of potato cakes- perfect with the chives. Your granddaughter is oh so sweet! Lucky you!

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  3. What a precious little doll! And yup, this is the perfect thing to do with leftover (!?) mashed potatoes. Rarely are there any left over here, but next time I'll make an extra huge batch, cuz I know my oldest would love 'em this way, too. He's a tater-aholic ;)

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  4. although leftover mashed taters are a rarity, this is the top choice for how to put them to use. also, your grandbaby is simply adorable. :)

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  5. Your granddaughter is adorable. I'd make her all the mashed potatoes she wants too. These look crispy and delicious!

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  6. I love, love potato cakes, just wish I could convince hubby of the same. They look delicious and your GD is a doll!

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  7. Your little birthday girl is adorable in her tutu. I just love that age, so darn sweet.

    A crispy fried potato cake will get my attention any time.

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  8. I love these even better than mashed potatoes. I too love to add in fresh chives, though they are delicious seasoned with a variety of fresh herbs.
    Your granddaughter is absolutely adorable.I wish our grandchildren were close by.

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  9. First and foremost...your granddaughter is just WAY too cute! Secondly, my grandma has always talked about making "mashed potato cakes", but for some reason, I've never gotten around to trying them. I've been craving meatloaf, which I'd make with nothing other than mashed potatoes, so this will definitely be how I use up my leftovers! I generally only cook for my husband, myself and two kids, but tend to make enough for an extra 10 people and it kills me to end up throwing away food! What a perfect idea!

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  10. I keep saying that I am going to make these because they sound so good. But we never have mashed potatoes left over, even when I purposely try to make extra!

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  11. I've never had luck making potato cakes... they always fall apart on me, even if I add an egg! Lilly is a cutie!

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  12. think im going to try this TODAY...love potatoes! thanks!

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