Quick Easy Potatoes for ANY meal!

Hello all, Today's post has been a little delayed because of some personal things, but I am BACK!

I have found that the plain ole' baked or mashed potatoes can get really old after a while. BUT for us bachelors, and people on a tight budget, potatoes are cheap. If you watch the ads you can find 10# bags for $2.99. I always buy two bags on that special. Besides this delicious side dish, I am going to throw at you, there are many more ways to help your budget with potatoes.

1.  When a recipe calls for 2 lbs of ground beef use a pound and a half of meat and 1/2 pound of Potatoes deiced into 1/4 or 1/2  in cubes. (This is not great in all dishes, don't do it in lasagna, but great for Mexican night, hamburger helper type meals, meatloaf etc...)
2. When making instant mashed potatoes, boil 2 med potatoes and mash with milk and butter and combine with the instant. It will taste more home made. If you really want to get creative leave the skins on and mash so they are slightly still chunky. Now everyone will think you boiled and slaved over a hot pot of potatoes all day.
3. get out your food processor and shred your OWN hashbrowns for breakfast you will save a lot compared to frozen preshredded ones.
4. lastly add the same dices potatoes from suggestion 1 to scrambled eggs to make your own "skillet breakfast"

In all of the above suggestions make sure to add the correct seasonings and ALWAYS use Salt (or salt substitute) and Pepper. Now on to the recipe!

Ingredients:
4 medium potatoes cubed into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces. (peeled or not peeled)
1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 large lemons worth)
5 Tbs EVOO (seperated 3T and 2T)
2 Cloves of garlic
1 Tbs Minced oregano (or Salt free Italian seasoning)
1 tsp salt or salt substitute
1/4 tsp Black pepper (for heat use red chili pepper and black pepper combo)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425˚ F

In a bowl place the diced potatoes in first, add all the seasonings, garlic, and lastly add the EVOO. With your clean hands make sure potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings and EVOO. Let these sit in the bowl for 5 min and mix again. After 15 min in the fridge to slightly chill and allow the oven time to preheat, move the potatoes to a baking dish, that allows even 1 layer distribution of the potatoes. (I use a 9 x 13 cake pan) Pour remaining EVOO/Seasoning over the tops of the potatoes. Place in oven and bake for 30 - 45 min, or until the potatoes are browned. make sure to "stir" or "flip" the potatoes 2 times during cooking.

ENJOY! This is the perfect side to go with the Crispy chicken recipe. Also, like always, do not be afraid to experiment. the first suggestion I have is try zesting some lemon peel into the seasoning blend. Also try adding onion powder or crushed red pepper. Throw in some turnips cut the same way as you did the potatoes. If you are a pork eater, or with a lamb dish, add some Apples and take out he garlic. Happy cooking!

Bryant