Au Gratin Potatoes...#1 Requested Recipe From the Idaho Potato Commission Idaho Potato Commission Commemorates 70th Anniversary Harvest 2007
EAGLE, Idaho, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Au Gratin Potatoes is the most requested recipe of the more than 500 recipes posted on the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) website, http://www.idahopotato.com/. As such, this tried and true favorite has been designated as the "Anniversary Recipe" in recognition of the IPC's 70th Anniversary this year. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071010/LAW014) According to the IPC, which has been tracking hits to its website since 1997, Baked Mashed Potatoes and As Good as Mashed Potatoes (But Fat Free!) -- savory variations of traditional mashed potato recipes -- round-out the top three recipes for 2007, followed by directions for preparing the time-honored Baked Potato. Conversely, the least requested recipe, likely due to the high cost of ingredients, is for potato chips dressed with herbs, balsamic syrup and white truffle oil. "When you consider the ease and versatility of Au Gratin Potatoes as a side dish that compliments just about any meat and poultry, it's easy to understand why this recipe takes top honors among visitors to our website," said IPC President/CEO, Frank Muir. "It's fitting that this recipe, which was introduced to Americans 180 years ago, is still one of the country's favorite potato dishes and is being recognized as such during our 70th anniversary." The 2007 Harvest This fall, Idaho Potato growers are expected to harvest 348,000 acres, producing approximately 13 billion pounds of the signature spuds. "This harvest is reason to celebrate," said IPC President/CEO Frank Muir. "In spite of extreme heat in July, growers managed their crops using Idaho's exceptional irrigation system, and the weather may actually have accelerated the harvest," explained Muir. Contributing to the crop's quality are Idaho's rich volcanic soil, warm days, cool nights and an adequate supply of clean water for irrigation. The Idaho Potato industry contributes .7 billion -- more than 15 percent of Idaho's gross state product -- to the state's economy each year and accounts for roughly one third of the U.S. fall potato crop. Idaho Potatoes are distinguished by their unmatched quality and taste and a high solids content that translates into potatoes that are fluffier mashed, crispier fried and lighter baked. Sixty-two percent of Idaho Potatoes are processed frozen or dehydrated; 29 percent are shipped fresh to supermarkets and foodservice operations nationwide; and, 9 percent are used for certified seed. Annual per capita consumption of all frozen, dehydrated and fresh potatoes in 2006 was approximately 126 pounds. 70th Anniversary Celebration The 70th Anniversary of the IPC has been marked by: -- the continuation of the highly successful television advertising campaign featuring Denise Austin, that for the first time will run nationally on cable TV, including programs like CNN, FOX News, Discovery Channel and the Television Food Network. -- IPC's first online video contest on YouTube, where consumers were asked to create a video starring Idaho's famous potatoes. The winning videos made their debut at SpudFest, a family film festival founded by Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island. -- a new consumer brochure featuring 70 Tips and Fun Facts. Download a copy of the brochure at http://www.idahopotato.com/, or send a 58-cent stamp along with your name and address printed on a 3" x 5" card to: Idaho Potato Tips Brochure Offer c/o Evans,Hardy Young 829 De La Vina Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 -- The designation of an Anniversary Recipe -- Au Gratin Potatoes Au Gratin Potatoes -- Idaho Potato Commission 70th Anniversary Recipe (Serves 6) Ingredients: -- 2 pounds Idaho Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 5 cups) -- 2 tablespoons melted butter -- 1/2 teaspoon salt -- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper -- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese -- 1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs Directions: 1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a shallow 1-1/2 quart casserole with butter. Arrange sliced potatoes in layers. 2. Sprinkle with melted butter, salt and pepper. Top with grated cheese and bread crumbs. 3. Bake 30 minutes, covered. 4. Uncover and bake and additional 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 378 calories, 15 grams fat, 9 grams protein, 50 grams carbohydrate, 50 mg cholesterol, 865 mg sodium Note: For a healthier version, try Enlightened Au Gratin Potatoes, see recipe below. Enlightened Au Gratin Potatoes - NEW version of 70th Anniversary Recipe (Serves 6) Ingredients: -- Cooking spray -- 2 pounds Idaho Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 5 cups) -- 2 tablespoons melted butter -- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt -- 1/4 teaspoon salt -- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper -- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (4 ounces) Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Arrange half of sliced potatoes over bottom of casserole. 2. Dot potatoes with half of the butter pieces, and sprinkle with half the garlic salt, salt and pepper. Top with the remaining potato slices, butter, salts and pepper. 3. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover casserole with a lid or piece of foil. Bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender. Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 200 calories, 8 grams fat, 7 grams protein, 25 grams carbohydrate, 24 mg cholesterol, 384 mg sodium Although Idaho is famous worldwide for its premium potatoes, some consumers don't realize that only potatoes grown in the Gem State can wear the 'Grown in Idaho' seal. Both Idaho(R) Potatoes and the 'Grown in Idaho(R)' seal are federally registered certification marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho. CONTACT: Sarah Savage of EvansHardy Young, 1-805-963-5841, ext. 100, Web site: http://www.idahopotato.com/
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1
PRN Photo Desk,
for Idaho Potato Commission
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