black truffle french fries

There is a photo of this dish floating around the internet. I saw it. Then later could not locate it. So, I kind of made this up as simply as I could. I do happen to have a small container of black truffle oil. And I always have potatoes. Let's give it a go?

I did a little test this past Saturday evening. Served to the family. They completely ignored the roasted chicken and mashed potatoes I had actually made for dinner. Ate all of these fries and several of the Milano cookies!

I guess sometimes we just need to let it go and not freak out about trying to cover all the food groups during a meal, yes?

Let them have French Fries?! OKAY.

This recipe was created for 12 people.

I imagine you may have to adjust the amounts accordingly - or not...

you will need:

8 large Russet potatoes - scrubbed and dried (dry them - or the oil wont stick)

4 tablespoons black truffle oil (maybe more...a lot more...)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (again...maybe more...)

salt

pepper

fresh Parsley for garnish

2 half sheet baking trays (again...this was for 12 people)

to do:

oven to 425

Wash the potatoes.

Slice into wedges.

Use a paper towel to pat everything dry the best you can then toss all the wedges into a big bowl.

Add the truffle oil and mix very well.

About a tablespoon of sea salt.

Half a tablespoon of pepper.

Mix again.

Lay half of the wedges onto a baking sheet. Try to make sure you have a single layer. If the pan is too crowded your potatoes will 'steam' instead of 'crisp'.

I had to do two trays of potatoes.

Bake at 425 for about 15 minutes.

CAREFULLY turn over as many as you can and rotate your tray.

Back into the oven for another 15 minutes or so - edges and some of the smaller pieces need to be brown and crispy.

As soon as the wedges are out of the oven add the grated Parmesan cheese.

Maybe a little more salt and pepper.

Garnish with the Parsley and serve.

Watch them disappear...

Beef Tips

This is one of the family favorites. And one of mine because of how quickly it comes together. Yes - it does require the use of one of those strange packets of gravy powder mix. But sometimes that is necessary. 

The beef I used here was one of those packages of "lean stew meat" - already cubed (I was in a hurry)  It is also excellent with any sort of roast meat (you usually have to cut these up yourself and I didn't feel like it tonight) I did also try it once with a cut up tri-tip. DO NOT do this! The meat became very tough and dinner that night was very, very quiet. Also, I usually use regular soy sauce for this (instead of the low sodium soy sauce) Then wait to salt and pepper until right before I serve. The regular soy is pretty salty so not much salt is needed.

After you saute the onions and brown the meat - add all the liquids and seasonings - cover for 2 hours and done. Try this - the family will love it.



YOU WILL NEED:

vegtable oil
1 red onion - chopped
2 pounds cubed beef
2 cups water
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons garlic powder
salt
pepper

LATER you will need:

1 package dry brown gravy mix
1 cup water


TO DO:

Heat a large skillet (or dutch oven) and add a couple turns of the vegetable oil. Saute the onions about 5 minutes then add the cubed beef.
Cook on high until most all the meat is browned on all sides. Then add the water, soy sauce, worcestershire and garlic powder. Give it all a good stir and bring it to a boil. Then cover - turn the heat down to low and let simmer for 2 hours.

When the 2 hours are up - mix the gravy packet into 1 cup of hot water - turn the heat back up to high and add the gravy mixture to the meat mixture - stir until slightly thickened - taste to see if you need to add more salt or pepper - then serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Pound Cake and Berry Compote

I did make this pound cake. But honestly, I think one purchased from your local bakery will work just fine.



I probably should not call this a compote since I skipped the whole step of making the simple syrup and adding vanilla or any other flavorings. This is basically a cup and a half of fresh berries - zest from 1 lemon and juice from half the lemon - then 1 tablespoon of sugar (more or less depending on your tastes) Put all ingredients in a small saucepan and cook on low heat just until the liquid looks syrupy (I think thats a word?) Immediately remove from heat - pour over a slice of pound cake - add whipped cream (I forgot that part) serve immediately.

Quick and tasty