Homemade Potato Chips

These take time, but it’s totally worth the effort.

2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes

Canola oil

Salt and pepper

1. Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandolin. Place potato slices in a large bowl, and cover with ice water. Allow them to soak for an hour. Drain potatoes, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

2. Heat about 2 inches canola oil in a Dutch oven. Fry potatoes, in batches, until golden and crisp; drain on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Roasted Potatoes With Blue Cheese

This pairs perfectly with grilled steak.
6 Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into cubes
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 cooked and crumbled bacon slices
1 tsp. fresh thyme
Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1. Toss potatoes with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
3. Toss warm potatoes with blue cheese and remaining ingredients. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

Fried Ravioli With Simple Tomato Sauce

Serve with Caprese salad and bread.

1 onion, chopped
Olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
Salt and pepper
1 package frozen cheese ravioli
Canola oil

1. Sauté onion in hot oil, stirring often, 10 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, and cook 1 more minute. Stir in balsamic vinegar and next 3 ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Use immersion blender to puree mixture until smooth. Simmer for 5 more minutes.

2. Meanwhile, pour 1 inch canola oil into bottom of Dutch oven. Heat oil, and fry ravioli, in batches, until they begin to turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with tomato sauce.

Chicken-Fried Steak

Serve with loaded mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts.

1 package cube steak
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. cornmeal
Canola oil

1. Sprinkle both sides of cube steak with salt and pepper. Combine flour, cornmeal, and salt and pepper to taste. Dredge cube steak in flour mixture.
2. Heat oil to cover bottom of a Dutch oven. Cook steaks, turning once, until done (about 8 minutes).

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into cubes
1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
4 slices chopped bacon, cooked
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook potatoes in water to cover in a large Dutch oven until tender. Drain and return to pot. Stir in butter and next 3 ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.