Listen! Do you hear it? That soft “ahhhhhhhh” in the background? That’s the collective All-American sigh of welcome for spring and summer 2013. Oh, and that thoughtful “hmmmmmmm” accompanied by a determined scraping sound? Why, that’s all of us considering new backyard cook-out recipes while we ready the grill for a very busy season.
And for all who are searching magazines both in print and on line for the very tastiest – not to mention healthiest, quickest and easiest – grill recipes, we urge you to take a look at those that feature potatoes. You’ll be amazed at the versatility of spuds, Colorado’s more 100 varieties are perfect for every recipe you find.
To save time and give you an edge in creativity, scores of potato dish ideas and links to even more sites can be found at the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee’s web site, coloradopotato.org.
What? You still think that potatoes are fattening? As registered dietitian and United States Potato Board “Real Mom” ambassador Tara Gidus explained March 19 on the Daily Buzz (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgcv9nWlsh8), a medium-sized potato, eaten with the skin on, has only 110 calories. That’s less than most eight-ounce sodas!
What’s more, that same spud takes care of nearly half your daily vitamin C needs and is one of the best sources of potassium and fiber you can find in the produce section. The USPB went that extra mile to reinforce the message with a “potassium infographic” that shows the value of potatoes in terms of dollars and cents along with the good sense of adding them to your daily diet. A wealth of nutritional data is available at USpotatoes.com/nutritionPrograms/.
Yes, you say, it’s great that potatoes are such powerhouses in terms of health, but now that active families like ours are spending more time enjoying the great weather and time outdoors, convenience is another very important aspect of mealtime.
CPAC’s web site and links show just how quickly the nation’s number-two most grilled vegetable cooks and how Colorado russets, golds, reds and fingerlings become culinary works of art in recipes like the elegant Grilled Potato Kabobs with Lemon and the festive Purple Potato Salad with Beets and Arugula.
You say you’re looking for a something really different to dazzle your backyard guests? Get ready for a serious departure from the “been there, done that” appetizer menu with Grilled Potato Dippers with a Trio of Sauces. Yes, grilled spuds are tasty on their own, but when paired with Red Pepper Basil Dipping Sauce, Caramelized Onion and Chive Dipping Sauce and/or Avocado Cilantro Dipping Sauce, they are elevated to outrageously delicious. And, yes, they are still healthy!
So while you’re spending more time outside with your family this spring and summer, make sure you spend some time “outside the bookends” with breakfast, lunch and dinner as well. Now’s the perfect season to drop the ho-hum routine and think health, versatility and convenience with potatoes from Colorado.
Let’s do it, America! Now’s the time to fire up that grill and join the “ahhhhhhhh-some” summertime chorus!
Source: Colorado Potato Administrative Committee
