Spiced Right Pan-Fried Potatoes - Weekend recipe

Today - Saturday - I am giving a program at the Northshore Unitarian Church in Deer field, Illinois.

It is a cooking demo for which I will post a few photos this coming week.  I sent a few recipes in advance which volunteers will make for the event, and I am making samples for the participants.  This recipe is one of those I sent ahead and the herb blend that is part of it was one of the samples guests received.  So this weekend you can enjoy the same recipe we will be enjoying in Deerfield.

Have a great weekend!

 Spiced Right Pan-fried Potatoes 

Yield:  4-6 servings 

2 Tablespoons butter

1 Tablespoon olive oil

4 medium baking potatoes, peeled

3 tsp. Basic Potato Blend, divided (recipe below)

additional salt, if desired 

Directions:

Melt the butter with the oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.  Carefully slice the potatoes directly into the skillet, cutting random thin pieces.  Season with 2 teaspoons of the potato blend and salt to taste, if using.  Use a spatula to mix well and stir the potatoes regularly as they begin to brown.  After 5 minutes or so, reduce the heat to medium; cover.  Continue to cook and stir. When the potatoes are cooked through, season with remaining teaspoon of potato blend; cook and stir for another minute.  Serve hot.   You can keep these warm in a baking dish covered with foil.  These can be made in advance and reheated.  Save the remaining seasoning to toss into the potatoes after reheating.

Basic Potato Blend 

2 Tablespoons dried parsley

1 teaspoon Sweet paprika

3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3/4 teaspoon garlic granules

3/4 teaspoon onion granules

½ teaspoon rosemary

½ teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon dillweed 

Measure all ingredients into a small jar. Shake well to mix. 

Seasons about 5 pounds of potatoes.   

 I adapted the above recipe from Sandra Bowens which I originally found at www.apinchof.com

Five Benefits of Herbal Tea

Whether you want to shed some few pounds or simply desire to have good heath, herbal tea is definitely good for you. Herbal tea is a great substitute if you find drinking mineral water plain. Make sure you drink five glasses every day to relish all the benefits. Here are five top reasons  (one for each cup of tea) why you should drink herbal tea.

1. Great for weight loss

Herbal tea has been known to help in losing weight. This is a popular topic, reason being that teas can actually help in weight loss as they increase the body’s metabolism thus improving your blood circulation, cholesterol level and ultimately enhances cardiovascular health.

2. Prevents Cancer

People who drink herbal tea are less susceptible to lung cancer and other common diseases. Believe it or not, research indicates that herbal tea helps to treat stroke, heart ailments and even certain cancers.  But it could also be the lifestyle those that drink tea tend to adopt?!

3. Cures stomach ailments

If you suffer from frequent stomach ailments, try drinking at least a cup of tea every day after your meals. Herbal tea reduces the acids in the stomach and therefore digestion takes place ably.  Ginger and any of the mints can quiet digestive ailments.

4. Enhances the immune system

According to recent scientific studies, herbal teal strengthens the body’s immune system to ensure you are not prone to flu and other lung diseases. With a strong immune system, your body now has the ability to repair and regenerate the damage cells rapidly.  Echinacea is said to be a marginal assist with this, but germ fighters like lemon grass, thyme and sage will certain help.  And a bit of extra Vitamin C you get from parsley and rosehips cannot hurt either.

5. Reduces stress

When your work and lifestyle seems stressful, drink one cup of tea. It is relaxing and therefore very effective at minimizing stress levels.  Lavender and chamomile will both help your body calm down in stressful situations.

On the other hand, herbal tea has been known to interfere with medication, so always consult your physician. For instance, it prevents proper absorption of iron in the gut. Herbal tea is also considered an expensive habit, especially if you become addicted, like me – it could lead to large gardens and tea pot collections and many other bad habits.