Storing<\/strong><\/p>\nStore in a cool, dry, dark place. The best temperature is between 50-65 degrees F. The reason for storing in a dark room is because light promotes chlorophyll production, turning them green and bitter.<\/p>\n
While working at Whole Foods Market, I remember our produce team covering the massive amounts of potatoes every night to eliminate as much exposure to light as possible.<\/p>\n
Russets don’t do well in the refrigerator. Temperatures below 40-45 degrees F convert potato starch to sugar.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, we do refrigerate waxy potatoes for several days before cooking, making them sweeter and firmer.<\/p>\n
Procedure for Cooking Potatoes<\/strong><\/p>\nAfter washing, peeling or trimming potatoes, cut into uniform-sized pieces to promote even cooking. If the pieces are too small they will absorb a large amount of water as they cook, making the final product soggy. A good rule of thumb is to cut each potato into 4 or 6 uniform-sized pieces for russets or 1 to 2-inch cubes for small potatoes or Yukon golds.<\/p>\n
Add the potatoes to a saucepan and add enough cold water to cover them by several inches. Starting potatoes in cold water allows for more even cooking and heat penetration from outside to inside. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Boiling potatoes rapidly will cause the potatoes to break apart, making for mushy spuds. Finally, potatoes should not be cooled in or under cold water, unlike most vegetables, as this can make them soggy.<\/p>\n
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Mash Up<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat’s the best way to mash your potatoes?<\/p>\n
Some say potato mashers create gummy spuds and the light and fluffy consistency of mashed potatoes can only be achieved by using a potato ricer or a food mill.<\/p>\n
We feel they all get the job done.<\/p>\n
The key to using a potato masher is not to over-mash, which ruptures starch granules, resulting in gummy potatoes. A potato masher is the most economical way to go and the best way if you like a slightly lumpy mash.<\/p>\n
A ricer creates less lumps and more fluff.<\/p>\n
A food mill does the same as a ricer with a bonus of separating the skin so no advanced peeling is necessary.<\/p>\n
But, what if you like the skin in your potatoes? The potato masher is the way to go.<\/p>\n
Mashed potatoes go great with so many things, including these\u00a0breaded turkey cutlets with gravy<\/a> that are perfect for the holidays or any night of the week – quick, easy and delicious! It’s like Thanksgiving dinner year-round.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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