Smashed Potatoes - Tutorial

I love making these smashed potatoes for special occasions, or just because.  They're easy, fun and super tasty!  Try them yourself.

Ingredients/Tools:

Red potatoes (about 2-3 per person)

Olive oil

salt

pepper

food scraper

baking sheet

plastic Zip-lock bags

Step 1:

Wash your potatoes and cook until soft.  I put 2-3 in a quart bag and microwave for 4-5 minutes.  You want them to be soft enough to squash easily.  You could also boil or bake them but keep in mind that will take longer.   While your potatoes cook grease or line your baking sheet with foil and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2:

After allowing your potatoes to cool a bit, set them on a flat surface.  I use a cutting board.  With your food scraper flatten the potatoes to about a half inch.  Try to flatten all to about the same width.   Brush the flattened potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3:

Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes.

There are lots of opportunities for your kids to get involved in this side dish.  Let them wash the potatoes.  Allow them to place them in the plastic bag or drop them into the pot for boiling (before it starts to boil, of course.)  If they can safely reach the microwave, tell them which numbers to punch in and press start.  If the potatoes are cool enough let them try to smash them.  My kids favorite thing to do is to sprinkle the kosher salt and twist the pepper mill.  Serve as a side dish or with a dipping sauce as a tasty snack.