I am a Couch Potato

I had a productive business conference last week. I networked with some important people and was able to put faces with names that I had only seen on my emails. But, the most important part of my trip was, of course, the food. I only stayed one night, so my options were small. I did discover one thing I didn't like and one that I did.

For dinner, I ordered a Blue Cheese Burger with Sweet Potato Chips. As much as I like Blue Cheese as a dressing, a slice melted upon my burger was not as tasty as I had hoped it would be. The Sweet Potato Chips were just the opposite. I wasn't going to order them at first and just opt for the French Fries, but the ladies I was with said they were wonderful. I ordered them and they were right. These were fried, but once I got home and did a little research, I found that they can be baked and you can sprinkle them with a variety of spices, herbs, or toppings each giving a different taste.

I think the best thing is that the baked Sweet Potato chips are so much more healthy than the greasy potato chips that I love to munch on while watching television. Now, I can be a different kind of "couch potato" by enjoying a healthier version.

Below, I have put both a fried recipe and a baked recipe, depending on your preference.

Enjoy,
Carol

Sweet Potato Chips

2 medium size sweet potatoes

Wash and slice pototes into thin slices, usually about 1/8 inch. The thinner you slice them, the crisper they can be.

Baked:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil, or parchment paper works fine, too. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Lay potato slices on the cookie sheet and spray again with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for about 15-30 minutes, no need to turn the chips over. Since oven temperatures vary, check often to keep them from burning. When done, remove from oven and sprinkle with toppings, if desired.

Fried:

These can be fried in a deep fryer or in a skillet on the stove. The oil should be around 350 degree and clean oil should be used. Place the potato slices carefully in the hot oil. Fry until a golden brown, usually 1 1/2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel. While chips are still warm, sprinkle with any of the toppings below, or one of your own choosing.

There are a variety of toppings that people have told that they like. The chips that I had at the restaurant didn't have any toppings on it and they were great.

Toppings:

powdered sugar
salt
garlic
cinnamon
cajun spices
paprika
granulated sugar
brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg mixture

Eating out

I'm leaving tomorrow for a two-day out of town business conference. I don't know what restaurants we will be going to, but I hope to come home with ideas for some new dishes. See you when I return.

Carol

Pizza and Football

I want to thank Mindy Wilson for interviewing me on her Groovy Inclinations blog. I received so many nice responses and the main comment was about the pizza cookbook that I have in the planning stages.

It's hard to concentrate on more than one project at the same time, but it looks like I may have to do just that. In the future, if you see a romance novel written by me and the characters are enjoying pizza, well you'll know what two books I was working on at that time.

Right before sitting down to write this entry, I was going through my all of my pizza recipes. You can't imagine how hungry that made me for pizza. And, what a perfect day to make some. There's football on all afternoon (Go Colts!) and a couple pizzas for my husband and I to munch on during the games would hit the spot. Yes, I know it's much easier to have pizza delivered, but it wouldn't have that great homemade taste, not to mention prepared just the way I like it.

Below are a couple simple recipes for dough and sauce. Now, if we just don't lose power today because Hurricane Ike has made his way to the Midwest.

Ciao,
Carol

Basic Pizza Crust

1 1/4 C. all-purpose flour
1/2 C. lukewarm water
1 T. yeast
1 t. salt
1 T. vegetable oil or melted margarine

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix the yeast with the lukewarm water until the yeast is dissolved. Set aside. Combine the salt and vegetable oil/melted margarine and gradually add the flour. Mix well.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to desired size and thickness. Place it on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 5 minutes. Take it out and while still hot, spread the sauce and add choice of toppings and cheese. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. Slice and serve.

Very Basic Pizza Sauce

1 lg can tomato sauce
1/4 C. olive oil
1 t. oregano
1/8 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1/8 t. garlic powder

Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan and heat on top of stove until just warm. Spread on top of crust, add toppings, and bake. I tend to like extra oregano on my pizza and usually sprinkle a little on top after I add the mozzarella cheese.

I've Been Profiled

I am very pleased to announce that myself and my cookbook, Masters & Disasters of Cooking has been featured on a blog. Mindy Wilson has posted an interview with me on her Groovy Inclinations blog. I hope you all will clink on the link and visit. Thanks.

Carol