The new red potatoes slowly boiled as I wondered what to grab in the great outdoors to make them tasty for supper. So….out the door I went. I was on a mission!
Going Hunting
First I walked over to the roadside garden to see what condition the chives were in. The flower heads had all gone to seed. Yet, I could see a few tender shoots that might just work. These chive plants were supposed to get moved to my patio area so that I could quickly run out the back door, grab an herb and slip back inside to my invention area, the kitchen chopping block. Like many other outdoor tasks, this job would probably get moved to next spring unless I blocked off a couple hours this week. The weather woman said that each day would be close to a “ten”, so I may get a chance to hop on the 4-wheeler with cart behind and get my hands dirty playing in the soil once again.
Next Stop
With scissored chives in hand, my next stop took me to the pasture fence to find Grandma Maxine’s winter onions.
Before we moved to this home almost 30 years ago, Mr. Farmer’s parents lived here for over 40. I continue to be blessed by her plantings. The winter onions are always ready waiting for me no matter what time of year! They’re Marvelous! The tops are easily chopped and the bulb works nicely in cooked foods, too.
Side-tracked by Beauty
I had one last stop to make for my potato dish for supper, but as I looked up I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the beauty of the pasture with the cattle gently grazing. Climbing up on the fence, I sat for a few minutes and watched mama with her little one close behind enjoying the beautiful Iowa weather as they nibbled the grass. As I watched with a heart full of gratitude, a song of praise came forth from my heart and out my lips. The cattle continued to low as I sang to them. They are a good audience, often harmonizing with me with their lowing. They are used to me now and never run off. Quite polite, I must say.
Almost Finished
Onward to my last stop–the patio where I found a little parsley that hadn’t gotten frost bitten the other night. Ahhh, just the amount I needed.
Once back to my cooking post, a clove of garlic got smashed and chopped finely into this combination of herbs before being placed into the melted butter. Can you imagine for a minute the fragrance in my kitchen? Heavenly! The cooked potatoes were placed, one by one, into the pan and smashed just a little bit. Then I gave them a gentle toss so each would soak up some butter and herbs. They sat for a few minutes before being placed into a serving dish. The nicely browned pork loin I had purchased at Fareway was ready to come out of the oven. Serving along side was a quick and easy tossed salad, which used up some of the last tomatoes from my “next-to the patio” garden. Supper looked great and couldn’t be easier.
Supper’s Ready
Oh, I almost forgot. Maggie, our loyal dog, accompanied me every step of the way. 🙂 She’s the best dog ever!
Jump to RecipeHerbed Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 6-8 small red or white potatoes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tsp chopped chives
- 1 green onion, all chopped
- 2 tsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Wash then boil potatoes until done, approximately 15-20 minutues. Pour potatoes and water out into a strainer and let potatoes sit. Dry out pan. Melt butter. Add all the chopped herbs except for garlic. Saute herbs for 5 minutes. Add garlic for the last minute. Add in potatoes, one by one, smashing each just one gentle smash. Gently toss and let set for 5 minutes, soaking up the juices and herb flavor. Serve up with your favorite meat, salad and a roll. Makes for a quick and easy side dish.
