Home
FAMILY VACATION
WHITEWATER!
BACKPACKING
HIKE IDAHO
BIKE IDAHO
FLY  FISHING
LAKES/RESERVOIRS
WINTER ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE PLANS
OTHER ADVENTURES
WILD IDAHO
DAY TRIPS
TOP ATTRACTIONS
RECREATION  AREAS
STATE PARKS
RV CAMPGROUNDS
LANDMARKS
SCENIC BYWAYS
HISTORIC TRAILS
LOCAL EVENTS
PHOTO GALLERY
LEWIS & CLARK
GOOD FOOD!
THE POTATO
IDAHO STATE HELP
IDAHO BLOG
SITE  BUILDING  TV
 

The Idaho Potato


Photos/Recipes courtesy
Idaho Potato Commission
Image Preview
It seems everyone knows about the Idaho potato. In fact, the Idaho potato and the State of Idaho are nearly synonymous.

The potato is extremely important to the State. Important? Yeah, potatoes are important. Potatoes contribute $2.5 billion (15%) of Idaho's gross state product.

More potatoes are produced in Idaho each fall than in any other growing region. Idaho's output represents about 30% of the total fall production in the United States.

Idaho's potato output is equivalent to 120 million burlap bags, each containing 100 pounds of potatoes. 12 billion pounds!

Image Preview The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency with responsibilities including promoting Idaho potatoes. Well, in the nearly seventy years the Commission's been around, they've done a great job.

The Commission is funded by a tax levied on all Idaho-grown potatoes. The tax is used to advertise, promote and fund research to expand Idaho's potato markets.

The Idaho Potato Commission does one thing to promote their product: Share great potato recipes with us. Here are three of my favorite potato salads for this time of the year. Quick and simple, but flavorful. Pick one for your next picnic or cook-out.

Believe me. They're best in the summer months!


BEST POTATO SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2-1/2 - 3 lbs. Idaho potatoes (5 large or 8-9 medium)
  • 8 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 dill pickle spears, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing
  • 3 Tbsp liquid from dill pickle jar
  • 2 Tbsp prepared yellow mustard
  • 1/4 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Image Preview DIRECTIONS:

Scrub potatoes well, but do not peel. Place potatoes in a stockpot, add water to cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium high and cook 12 to 15 minutes, or until a knife can easily pierce the potatoes, but they're still firm. Pour off hot water and add cold water to the pot to help cool down the potatoes. Set aside.

Roughly chop 6 of the eggs, saving two for garnish. Add the chopped eggs to a large mixing bowl. Add the onion and chopped pickles to the bowl.

In a small mixing bowl, using a whisk, combine mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, dill pickle liquid, mustard, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine; set aside.

Remove the cooled potatoes from the pot of water and remove the peels with a paring knife. Cut the potatoes into small cubes and add to the other ingredients in the mixing bowl. Gently toss the salad ingredients with a wooden spoon. Add the dressing mixture and gently toss to coat the ingredients well.

Transfer potato salad to a serving bowl. Slice remaining two eggs into thin slices and arrange around the salad to garnish. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving (preferably overnight) so flavors combine.

Yield: 6 - 8 servings

Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 170 cal, 4 g fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 332 mg sodium, 3 g protein, 31 g carbohydrates


POTATO AND SMOKED SALMON SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 lbs. Idaho potatoes, peeled (if desired)
  • 1/2 cup bottled oil & vinegar salad dressing
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger root, minced (or 1 tsp freshly ground pepper)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 3 cups cooked asparagus or broccoli
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon, cut into strips
  • 1/2 lb bibb lettuce (2 - 3 heads) washed and timmed

Image Preview DIRECTIONS:

Over high heat, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, cut potatoes in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Add potato slices to boiling water; return to boiling and simmer 5 - 6 minutes or until tender, but firm. Drain potatoes and set aside or refrigerate.

In a large bowl, combine dressing and ginger; toss dressing with dill and chopped vegetables. Gently stir in potatoes and smoked salmon. To serve, arrange lettuce on a platter (or individual dishes); top with salad mixture.

Yield: 6 - 8 servings

Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 262 calories, 12 g fat, 4 mg cholesterol, 178 mg sodium, 9 g protein, 33 g carbohydrates


TRADITIONAL POTATO SALAD
INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 lbs Idaho potatoes, peeled and diced (about 5 cups)
  • 1/2 cup regular or light mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup finely diced celery

Optional Add-Ins: 1/2 cup finely chopped onion or scallion, 1/2 cup chopped hard-boiled eggs, 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley, chives or dill

Image Preview DIRECTIONS:

Place potatoes in a large stockpot and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Cook 13 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain.

In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add potatoes, celery and optional add-ins (if desired). Toss to coat thoroughly.

Yield: 6 - 8 servings

Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 170 calories, 4 grams fat, 3 grams protein, 31 grams carbohydrate, 5 mg cholesterol, 332 mg sodium.


Please enjoy these recipes. Do you want some additional potato recipes from the Idaho Potato Commission? Okay - Click here....and enjoy!





Google
 
Leave the IDAHO POTATO PAGE and go to IDAHO INSIDER HOME PAGE

footer for Idaho potato page