Even the most veggiephobic boy loves his spuds. For this reason I’ve decided to start a new category (“Spuds for Studs”) exclusively devoted to potatoes.
My first recipe was designed by Stuart, the cuddly British ex-pat who lives in my Toronto house. Stuart works for a large Toronto costume and wardrobe company and enjoys dressing up, difficult boys, decorating his bedroom, So You Think You Can Dance, and most importantly, food.
A terrific cook, Stuart has been making mashed potatoes for years and he’s damn good at it. The other night, he whipped up a combination so divine that, with just one taste my pleasure sensors overloaded and my eyeballs nearly exploded with culinary joy. His secret? The addition of sweet potato and feta cheese.
A guaranteed cock-pleaser. Make some for your man tonight.
Thanks to his Phillipino friend’s mother (who always cooks with sweet potatoes) Stuart realized sweet potatoes were just as awesome and yummy as regular white ones (they also add a hefty boost of vitamin C and carotenoids.) Now all his mashed potato combinations include both. After that he improvises, and what he comes up with his usually spuderific, like this gem.
Ingredients
4 medium size potatoes, peeled and cut into halves or quarters
1 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into halves or quarters
3 tablespoons feta cheese
1 tablespoon butter or margarine (Stu used margarine)
8 garlic cloves, peeled
Directions
Boil white potatoes for ten minutes, then add sweet potatoes. Cook until tender.
As potatoes boil, saute the cloves of garlic until brown and carmelized and tender.
When potatoes are ready, mash with garlic, feta and butter. Salt and pepper to taste. Serves six easily; more with smaller portions. Pair with steak, chicken or pork or layer on a plate with veggies on top. (Tip: On how to choose a good potato, check out http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_4_19/ai_104682171/?tag=content;col1. It’s from an article in Men’s Fitness– See? Men really do love their spuds.)