Loaded Smashed Potatoes (appetizer)

Loaded Smashed Potatoes ?

No, they are not potatoes that have been out on a bender!  They are a takeoff on loaded potato skins but without having to bake all those big potatoes and then either find a use for the insides or just wasting them.

They make a great appetizer, snack or side dish and you can vary the toppings any way you like.  I'm using cheddar, scallions, bacon and sour cream but you could use cooked, crumbled Italian sausage, mozzarella and a little tomato sauce; cooked chopped beef with taco seasoning, Jack cheese, guacamole, salsa and sour cream, etc., etc.

The potatoes can be cooked ahead of time and just baked and topped at the last minute.

Watch the video:



FRICOS-Cheese Wafers (hors d'oeuvre)

Can you believe a one-ingredient hors d'oeuvre?  If you have some cheese in your refrigerator, you have everything you need to produce an elegant, tasty, light bite.  The perfect thing to serve before a big meal.

Simply grate about 2 ounces of cheese - parmigiana is my favorite but you can also use cheddar, Swiss or Gruyere.  Sprinkle generous tablespoonfuls on a parchment-lined baking sheet to make 8 circles leaving some space in between as they spread, bake at 375 degrees for 5 or 6 minutes until very lightly browned.

Hint:  I use a 2" ring or cookie cutter to keep the rounds neat.

Here is the video demonstration: