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Potatoes

Creamy Parsnip and Potato Soup

By Denise Pare-Watson

When I was a culinary student in Vegetable Cookery, we were asked if any of us had ever tried parsnip. I was surprised that there were only a few students in that class who raised their hand.  I grew up with parsnips as a staple in my parent’s garden, much like other root vegetables such as carrots or potatoes.  

Parsnips on a Board | urbnspice.com

James Beard thought that parsnips were one of the “most neglected” vegetables and I have to agree. My goal in this post is to encourage you to try parsnips, starting with this recipe.  Creamy Parsnip and Potato Soup is a humble soup created from simple ingredients that are made into a silky fragrant soup that is fancy enough to serve for a first course.   You will be amazed!

Parsnip Potato Soup with garnish | urbnspice.com
Creamy Parsnip and Potato Soup

The parsnip is closely related to carrot and parsley.  Parsnip originated in Eurasia where it was treated as a vegetable since ancient Roman times. It is interesting to note, before the arrival of cane sugar, parsnip was also used as a sweetener.  

Parsnip is most often cooked although it can also be eaten raw in salads or crudités. I recently read about a great recipe from Nik Manojlovich for Crunchy Salad with Apple using shredded raw parsnip, carrot and my favourite Honey Crisp apple with a Feta Cheese Dressing.  Delicious!

The health benefits of parsnips are impressive with significant levels of minerals, vitamins, fiber, water, protein and antioxidants.  Parsnips are also low in calories, carbohydrates and sodium.

Parsnips can be interchanged with carrots in most recipes (see additional recipe links below).  When a parsnip is roasted, it takes on a mild sweet taste that compliments many dishes such as roast beef stew or lamb.  If you do not already use parsnips in your vegetable repertoire, I would recommend that you give them a try.

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Filed Under: Gluten Free Recipes, My Recipes, Savoury Garnishes, Soups and Chowders Tagged With: Gluten Free Recipes, Parsnip, Potatoes, Soups

Asiago Cheese and Chive Scones

By Denise Pare-Watson

Leftovers are often overlooked, but to me, they are a source of countless opportunities.  For example, leftover Asiago Cheese mashed potatoes from our Easter gathering provided a wonderful chance to get creative.  The potatoes were so delicious I am surprised that we had any remaining!  There are endless ways to use the leftover mashed potatoes; for example salmon cakes, potato tatties, double-baked potato gratin, or Shepherd’s Pie.  A more unique way to use leftover mashed potatoes is in baking, therefore I was inspired to develop a recipe for Asiago Cheese and Chive Scones.  The chives add a distinct savoury flavour to the scones and are a must given that they are fresh from my spring garden.

Asiago Cheese and Chive Scones on a breadboard | urbnspice.com
Asiago Cheese and Chive Scones

In one of my Culinary Historians posts during the celebration of Canada150 “The Art of Doing Without,” I wrote about the many uses for the lowly potato during times of austerity. Potato scones, made from leftover mashed potatoes were featured and utilized bacon fat renderings.  They are very delicious and also very attractive with their little flecks of bacon fat showing through the baked layers.  The Asiago Cheese and Chive Scones are a variation of this simple recipe.  The Asiago Cheese and the Greek Yogurt add a layer of tangy flavour to the scone mixture, and the chives give them a fresh spring taste. The appealing flavour and texture will not disappoint!

A tray of baked Asiago Cheese and Chive Scones | urbnspice.com
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Filed Under: Breakfast Items, Brunch Dishes, Cheese, My Recipes, Potatoes and Rice, Scones & Biscuits Tagged With: Asiago Cheese, Baking, Breakfast, Brunch, Chives, mashed potatoes, Potatoes, scones

Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas

By Denise Pare-Watson

 

This recipe for Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas is Grey Cup Party food at its best!  It is quick and easy to put together, but more importantly, delicious!  They are little pizzas made in a handheld form. Make lots – your guests will be clamouring for more.

Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas | urbnspice.com

Make lots! They will disappear very quickly!

I was involved in a food challenge a few years ago that wanted us to develop original recipes for the Little Potato Company. On my blog, you will find the results of my creativity including a family-sized version of Smashed Potato Pizza, as well as Sausage and Potato Stuffing, Bacon Cheese Potato Cups and Potato Crusted Quiche (all gluten-free recipes).  I have re-invented the Smashed Potato Pizza and made it into small appetizer sized pizzas.  These Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas have the crispy edges that are so appealing and flavourful.  Toppings are kept simple given the well-seasoned smashed potato base; sliced grape tomatoes, chiffonade of basil, sliced green onion, mozzarella and bocconcini cheese, and crispy bacon bits.   Don’t forget to serve the Mini Sized Smashed Potato Pizzas with Dressed Up Sour Cream….

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Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
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License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Appetizers and Small Plates, Casual Dining, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free Recipes, Inspiration of Urbnspice Series, My Recipes, Potatoes and Rice, Preservative Free, Quick and Easy Dishes Tagged With: Appetizers, Gluten Free Recipes, Grey Cup, Potatoes, Small Plates

Pickle Pie, Please!

By Denise Pare-Watson

The Inspiration of Urb’n’Spice Series

What can I do when my adorable three-year-old grandson asks me to make him a Pickle Pie? His Momma was not sure where he came up with the idea for Pickle Pie. Apparently, he babbled about pickle pie for a whole day before she sent me this endearing video. To be honest, as a chef, I was very intrigued and as a grandmother, I would do anything for the little guy. I am always up for a challenge, so I set to work on figuring out how to fulfill his plea for pickle pie.

Presenting: The Pickle Pie Video Request

When I started my pickle pie quest, I wanted to develop a recipe with little children in mind. No fancy ingredients, just good tasting food that would appeal to all ages. Potato, cheese, pickles and pastry evolved into the key ingredients and when combined together, an irresistible flavourful potato filling was the end result. The flaky pastry just added to its overall appeal.

Pickle Pie | urbnspice.com

I made two versions of this recipe – one was miniature pies and the second version was small turnovers that are the perfect size for a little guy to hold. Look under the “What Else Can I Do With This Recipe?” section to see the variation – miniature Pickle Pie turnovers.

I had fun with this unique request and I am delighted with the results. My taste-testers (my other daughter and her little ones) gave me a thumbs-up and an “Omgawd – we all adored the pickle pies!”  If you try making these pickle pies – tell me what you think. I enjoy hearing from all my readers….

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2018 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
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License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Appetizers and Small Plates, Dietary Restrictions, Experiments, Gluten Free Recipes, Inspiration of Urbnspice Series, My Recipes, Pastry, Potatoes and Rice, School Lunch or After School Snacks Tagged With: Appetizers, Fun Food for Kids, Gluten Free Recipes, Pickles, Pies and Tarts, Potatoes, Small Plates

Duck Fat Potatoes with Smoked Sea Salt

By Denise Pare-Watson

The Inspiration of Urb’n’Spice Series

If you want to make something truly delicious to serve as a small plate offering or on a casual family platter, try these Duck Fat Potatoes with Smoked Sea Salt. It is one of those foods that you will say, ‘this is the best thing that I ever had!’ Easy to make, easier to eat! Make more than you think you might need – they will be gone in a flash!

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Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes | urbnspice.com…

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Filed Under: Appetizers and Small Plates, Casual Dining, Condiments & Accompaniments, Cooking Techniques, Gluten Free Recipes, Inspiration of Urbnspice Series, My Recipes, Potatoes and Rice, Preservative Free Tagged With: Appetizers, Duck Fat, Potatoes, Small Plates

Easy to Make Game Day Savoury Potato Wedges

By Denise Pare-Watson

It is almost Super Bowl weekend! That means snacks – lots of snacks. It also means we will need a snack that can be easily and neatly munched on in front of the big screen without taking our eyes off the action. We have made these Game Day Savoury Potato Wedges for just about every occasion from birthdays to barbeques.  Our favourite way to enjoy them is on a large wooden platter served family style with Dressed Up Sour Cream and of course, ketchup.

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Savoury Potato Wedges with Dressed Up Sour Cream | urbnspice.com

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2018 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
License Type: Commercial
License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Appetizers and Small Plates, Casual Dining, Condiments & Accompaniments, Gluten Free Recipes, My Recipes, Potatoes and Rice, Preservative Free, Spice Blends, Vegetarian Dishes Tagged With: Appetizers, Fast and Easy Dishes, Gluten Free Recipes, Potatoes, Seasoning Blends, Small Plates, Spice Rubs

The Art of Doing Without

By Denise Pare-Watson

CHC CANADA 150 FOOD BLOG CHALLENGE Series

Prelude:  I am a proud Canadian. When the Culinary Historians of Canada invited food bloggers to participate in the “CHC Canada 150 Food Blog Challenge”, I knew that I wanted in! What a great way to celebrate and honour Canada’s 150th birthday by featuring a different Canadian dish or discussing a topic near and dear to our hearts each month. The topic for the February “CHC Canada 150 Food Blog Challenge” is called doing without. This topic hits close to home for many Canadians, especially if you have a family member who has lived through difficult economic times. I am sure that there are many Canadians with countless stories of recent times or that have been passed down through the generations. My family is no exception. The Art of Doing Without is more of a skill – essentially a life skill.

Potato versatility | urbnspice.com

My French Canadian Grandmother – Meme (Mimi to us) and my Mom told us of many difficult times during their lives where they did without or utilized what they did have in some creative ways. My parents & grandparents had a lot of influence in the development of my frugal nature.

Careful, cautious and thrifty were important characteristics of my forbearers. I draw on those traits daily in my own kitchen. In this article, I will share a few of their stories, recipes and techniques that have been passed down to me regarding how to make the most of what is available.

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Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
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License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: CHC Canada 150 Food Blog Challenge Series, Pastry, Potatoes and Rice, Scones & Biscuits Tagged With: Potatoes, Vintage Recipes

Bacon Cheese Potato Cups

By Denise Pare-Watson

Do you have a repertoire of appetizers that you make for every small plates occasion or one that friends and family ask you to make for SuperBowl parties and TGIF events?  This recipe for Bacon Cheese Potato Cups is one of those appetizers that seems to fit that bill, suits every occasion and is just darned delicious.  This particular appetizer was probably the hands-down favourite in my Appetizer classes.

Bacon Cheese Potato Cups | urbnspice.com
Bacon Cheese Potato Cups – perfect for any appetizer event| urbnspice.com

The appetizer class is a hands-on lively three-hour jam-packed course where we make an entire sample menu of appetizers.  Typically, we then debrief with a glass of wine and enjoy the feast together at the end of the class. These Bacon Cheese Potato Cup appetizers never, ever made it to the table at the end of the class.   We hovered over the baking sheet as they came out of the oven and demolished them in seconds.  Luckily, I took a photo or two before they disappeared.

Bacon Cheese Potato Cups are super easy to make and do not require any obscure ingredients.  The trick is finding the perfect size potato – these potatoes fit in the palm of my hand, so small but not as small as nugget size.  The reason is you will be working with half of a potato for each potato cup with the intention of a two or three bite appetizer.

Bacon Cheese Potato Cups | urbnspice.com
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Original content here is published under these license terms: X 
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Filed Under: Appetizers and Small Plates, Casual Dining, Gluten Free Recipes, Potatoes and Rice, Salsas and Dips, Urbnspice Classes Tagged With: Appetizers, Potatoes, Small Plates, Super Bowl Appetizers, Toppings

Sausage & Potato Stuffing – Gluten Free

By Denise Pare-Watson

If your guest list this holiday season has you hesitant to face gluten-free or dairy-free restrictions, this gluten-free Sausage & Potato Stuffing is the perfect side dish for you. As it happens, my guest list this year includes gluten-free, dairy-free and grain free restrictions, so I can definitely relate.

Sausage & Potato Gluten Free Stuffing | urbnspice.com

Sausage and Potato Stuffing: Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Grain Free Stuffing

This is a no-fret recipe.   It has all of the traditional ingredients of a classic stuffing without the bread and includes aromatic vegetables, rich chicken stock, a splash or two of white wine, flavourful sausage and crispy bacon.  I can guarantee that after you taste this Potato “No Bread” Gluten Free Stuffing, you will want it to be part of your family holiday favourites.
Sausage & Potato Stuffing | urbnspice.com

Sausage & Potato Stuffing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 6 – 8 servings

CHEF TALK: This gluten-free, make-ahead dish, is sure to become one of your go-to side dishes. It is delicious served with a ham or turkey dinner or for any occasion.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb mixed nugget potatoes
  • 1/2 lb (226 g) of pork or breakfast sausage (I used gluten-free Bratwurst), removed from casings
  • 2 slices of bacon, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced finely
  • 1 stalk celery, diced finely
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced finely
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried summer savoury
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1 cup chicken stock

METHOD: 

Prepare the potatoes:
    1. Pierce the potatoes once or twice with a skewer and place them on a microwave-safe dish.
    2. Microwave for five minutes and remove from the microwave. Cool for a few minutes until they are easy to handle. (You can prepare these ahead).
    3. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, quarter them or dice them into small pieces as shown in the photographs. Set aside.
For the Stuffing:
  1. In a large fry pan over medium heat, fry the sausage meat, breaking it up into small crumbles, until it is caramelized.
    CHEF TIP: This process of caramelizing adds flavour to the stuffing. Remove the cooked sausage meat from the frying pan and set aside.
  2. Now add the diced bacon to the same fry pan and cook the bacon until it is brown and crispy.
  3. Add the diced onion and stir together until the onion is starting to turn colour.
  4. Add the diced carrot, celery and bell pepper and stir until the vegetables are softened.
  5. Add the minced garlic and stir to cook for a minute or two.
  6. Add the herbs and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  7. Add the white wine and cook until the wine evaporates – about one minute.
  8. Return the sausage to the pan and stir in the cooked diced potatoes.
  9. Stir all of the ingredients together and then add the chicken stock.
  10. If you want to make this dish ahead, take the frying pan off of the heat and let it cool before you cover and refrigerate until you are ready to reheat at 325oF for 30 to 40 minutes.
  11. If you wish to serve this dish right away, simmer for a few minutes until the chicken stock is absorbed by the vegetables and potatoes. Check and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
  12. Keep the stuffing warm.
  13. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.  Enjoy!

Here is your visual step-by-step How to Make Sausage & Potato Gluten Free Stuffing:

Bacon and Onions | urbnspice.com

The process of caramelization of bacon and onions and sausage will have people coming into your kitchen to see what’s cooking!

Sausage & Potato 'no bread' stuffing | urbnspice.com

Add the aromatic vegetables to the sausage and potato stuffing mixture.

Cooking the Vegetables for the potato stuffing | urbnspice.com

Cooking the Vegetables for the potato stuffing

Sausage & Potato 'no bread' stuffing | urbnspice.com

Adding the sausage and quartered potatoes to the stuffing

Sausage & Potato Gluten Free Stuffing | urbnspice.com

Sausage and Potato Stuffing: Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Grain Free Stuffing – A great make-ahead dish for the holidays!

LEARNING TIPS:  

Please CLICK the link above to access my UrbnSpice LEARNING TIPS, which are listed alphabetically on the Learning Tips blog post under the following subheadings:

  • Tweaking

Bonus Learning Tip Post:

  • Gluten-Free Tips and Techniques
    __________

Happy Gluten-Free Cooking, everyone!

As always, if you give this recipe for Sausage & Potato “No Bread” Stuffing – Gluten Free a try, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. You can find me on social media – just be sure to tag @urbnspice and #urbnspice so I’m sure to see it. Enjoy!

Denise Pare-Watson - The Urb'n'Spice Chef | urbnspice.comDenise Paré-Watson

The Urbnspice Chef

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You Might Also Enjoy These UrbnSpice Posts:

Roasted Potato, Crispy Bacon & Chive Salad

Potato Crusted Quiche – A Gluten Free Crust made from Potato 

How to Caramelize Onions 

FURTHER READING:

Potato Nutritional Information:  Potatoes are healthy!

The Carbohydrate Myth  

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2014-2017 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
License Type: Commercial
License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Dietary Restrictions, Gluten Free Recipes, Inspiration of Urbnspice Series, My Recipes, Potatoes and Rice, Sides, Vegetables Tagged With: Family Favourites, Gluten Free, Make Ahead Dishes, Potatoes, Sides, Stuffing

Smashed Potato Pizza

By Denise Pare-Watson

The UrbnSpice kitchen is a creative place and I love that. Sometimes, inspiration falls into my lap unexpectedly and then ideas and possibilities materialize so quickly that I cannot create fast enough. This is what happened when I was presented with an opportunity to develop recipes using nugget potatoes. So, how did the idea of a Smashed Potato Pizza come about?

Recipe development is definitely a large part of what I do as a chef, and many of the recipes that I develop for folks are for gluten-free dishes. One of the dishes that they tell me they miss the most is pizza. Now add to that another dietary restriction that indicates a grain free limitation – well, that gets a bit more complicated, doesn’t it? I took that challenge of finding a grain-free, gluten-free option that would not leave anyone sitting on the sidelines while everyone else was enjoying pizza. Thus, the recipe for Smashed Potato Pizza was born.

Smashed Potato Pizza - Ready to Eat | urbnspice.com

Smashed Potato Pizza – Grain Free, Gluten Free – So no one is left out

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2016-2017 Urb'n'SpiceAll Rights Reserved
Original content here is published under these license terms:  X 
License Type: Commercial
License Abstract: You may read the original content in the context in which it is published (at this web address). You may make other uses of the content only with the written permission of the author on payment of a fee.

Filed Under: Appetizers and Small Plates, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free Recipes, My Recipes, Potatoes and Rice Tagged With: Dairy Free, Gluten Free Recipes, Grain Free, Kids in the Kitchen, Pizza, Potatoes

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Meet Denise – The Urbnspice Chef

Welcome to Urbnspice - A Taste of Heart and Home. Inspiration in my kitchen is often a trip to the market or an experimental coincidence! Come and join me on this culinary journey where I share my passion for the creative, technical and teaching components of the profession and unravel culinary quandaries for you with fun and easy to follow user-friendly recipes, tips & techniques.
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