You say Po-tay-toe....

During lunch yesterday, some co-workers and I sat in the conference room and watched Giada cook her glorious food on The Cooking channel... I didn't realize she was ok Cooking and Food Network..One in the same I suppose... ::hmpp::
Not only did I take away great ideas from her show, Cheese and Veggie stuffed Chicken Breast Rollups, but got a great idea from a co-worker. She has been making Zucchini Cakes that I am desperate to try!

However.... I have a 5 lbs bag of potatoes at home ( on sale for $2.99- can't go wrong) that I need to cook up... I decided to make home-made potato cakes....From scratch....without a recipe... I'm brave...

So here is the scoop on my self-created Cheesy Potato Cake Recipe:

*Note: This recipe will make about 6 potato cakes (small medium in size)*

Step One:
GRATE two large white potatoes. I opted not to shred the potato because 1- my shredder wouldnt shred and 2- the grater actually gives a finer, creamier texture in the finished product.

Step Two:
Move grated potatoes to a mesh strainer (or a bundle of paper towels) to press out 90% of water from the potato.

Step Three:
Move your nearly dried potatoes to an empty, clean, mixing bowl. Salt, Pepper and Garlic.. I am not a heavy salt- eater, but add it to taste. I use literally a pinch (between pointer finger and thumb). About a pinch and a half of pepper so you're not over-spicing and I LOVE garlic, so I used close to half a teaspoon...

Step Four:
Add a 1/4 cup of shredded cheese & mix together. I used a cheddar/ colby jack mix because I like the sharpness paired with the creamy sweet of the potato.

Step Five:
Use cooking spray to coat your frying pan, warming it on low-medium heat. These potato cakes are really tender because of how fine the potatoes will be grated.

Step 6:
Plop your hand-shapen potato cakes into the pan and let them brown. They should cook on low-medium heat in about 10- 12 minutes and be golden on both sides (Flipping Twice after 3-4 mins on each side).

Finish off with a shake of parmesan cheese as your cakes cool to add a nice bite=]

*Additional Notes*

- If you are working with an older stove or electric, you may need to add or subtract a few minutes depending.Either way- make sure you flip after 3-4 minutes on each side to make sure that you are cooking equally on each side!

- If you don't have a stove (believe me I have been there)- opt to cook this in your toaster/ convection oven at 300- 325 degress  for ten minutes or until golden brown. Make sure you STILL use a non-stick spray so the bottoms dont burn =]  


Keep an eye out because tomorrow I will have a recipe for my Chicken Breast rollups stuffed with White Aged Cheddar and Broccoli Florets.. SO excited!!!!

Tmd

Pinterest Picks...

Being in a new apartment, I have had alot of time to browse one of my favorite websites for great ideas. Several of these ideas, I have begun ( but not finished) implementing into my new place.

I love photos and have a zillion and one photo frames. One of my favorite things to look at on Pinterest are ideas of how to hang frames, colored frame combinations and cute ways of accentuating the key items in your apartment/home.

Ideas 1: Photo Frame Collages!

My beginning interpretation[thus far]: 

Once I have the opportunity to have more photos printed and get my hands on an assortment of new black frames, I hope to complete my frame collage by continuing assorted sized frames up and around the center frame.

Another aspect missing from my apartment is plant life. Because I have cats/dogs, I find it very hard to keep plants(intact) in my apartment. It is also a little more difficult because with nosey cats- they tend to eat plants & I have to do extensive research on the plant to ensure they are not poisonous to cats... Therefore, right now- I have opted out of having any greenery in my new apartment.

I recently saw some silk flowers that were animal print & match the Zebra throw blanket I have in my bedroom.

 I did a little shopping trip and found an inexpensive version of the silk zebra print flowers for a vase I had filled with white lights & diamond shaped decorative gems...

I have also been working on finalizing a color scheme for my living room.

I have a nice futon couch from my first apartment that I purchased a new cover for. It is a blue/gray color. Fortunately it came with two matching end pillows. I lucked out when I selected this scheme too because I was able to make blue, gray & white floral silk curtains from some vintage floral fabric I had been holding on to for quite some time. 

I have to decide whether I should make my own pillow covers that will match my color scheme or if I should purchase any of the below ::SUPER CUTE:: pillow sets!

So many choices...... I will keep everyone updated as things come together =]

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