Purple Potatoes Galore

My "sweetie" had commented nearly a year ago that he was dying to try something he once read or heard about called "Blue Potatoes" or sometimes also referred to as "Purple Potatoes".  He said that they claimed these strange colored potatoes made "the absolute best, most phenomenal mashed potatoes, ever!" So of course it became a mission for him to find these great little spuds. But it wasn't exactly easy!

We don't exactly live in a large city where "different" and adventurous fruits and veggies can be easy to find. If it's not pretty "main stream" it can be quite difficult to find here in Erie, PA.  Lucky for us we have a WONDERFUL grocery store called Wegmans, that is so customer service oriented that it's rare they will tell you "sorry we don't carry that and can't get it for you" unless it's pretty obscure or nearly impossible to buy it and re-sell enough to at least pay for what they purchased. Seriously, it is THE ONLY place we shop for our groceries and for many reasons... customer service being first and foremost. (No, I don't work for them, nor does anyone in my family.... so honestly just because I mention them ALL the time doesn't mean I get a paycheck... but I'll take one if they'd like to! LOL) Here's a link directly to the product itself at the Wegman's site that gives all the nutritional information also! Note that your local grocer may not have the item but ask!!!! That's how we got the store we visit regularly to start ordering them and then by word of mouth and just putting them out there, they've become an intriguingly new addition to a lot of tables in the Erie area!

So I began investigating the "Blue Potato" aka "Purple Potato" and contacted the produce manager at Wegman's (on West 23rd) who quickly did his own investigating and came back with an email that said basically... "Sure, we can get them and should have them in store within 2 weeks!".   And so the love affair began.

They aren't exactly the "prettiest" potato you will ever see. The taste is what I would call somewhat "earthy" and if there is such a thing a little more "hearty" potato flavor. They are definitely odd looking, both on the inside and out. I expected that only the skin would be purple/blue but nay, nay... the inside is just as purple and quite interesting looking. The first batch Wegman's had ordered for us seemed to be very small, almost the size of a "new red potato".  I wasn't too sure about mashing these as my first thought was "to mash them you generally peel and boil" and these little babies weren't exactly large enough to truly peel but then after thinking about it I realized DUH, when you make mashed new reds you generally wash the potato, boil it and mash, pulling the skins out a bit while mashing while leaving a few in the finished dish. So I decided to do just that. I do need to add that you have to be careful to NOT overcook these beauties because they tend to get super mushy if you do. They don't hold their shape well and are what are considered a "medium starch" content, compared to other potato varieties. The second batch we bought were much larger (I kind of liked the bigger version because you could bake them better) and close to the size of a small, average white russet potato.

We also baked them and they were quite delicious this way also. So after doing the "basics" with these little beauties I decided to find a few other recipes. Here are a few I've found, but haven't tried yet. We tend to buy them in small quantities as they are around $1.69 I believe per pound (which can add up quick with potatoes). We generally end up with between 3 and 4 pounds each purchase and if we're making mashed it takes about 1/2 of that or a little more, leaving 2 or 4 for baking.  Since we've tried our 2 favorite and typical ways to enjoy these spuds, it's now time to try a few other recipes.

• Fork Crushed Purple Potatoes - a simple, yet interesting combination of purple potatoes, shallots, lemon, olive oil, parsley and sea salt.
  
• Herby Purple Potatoes - while the pictures on this site don't really make me want to run out and make them, the ingredients sound delicious enough to definitely give them a try!
  
• Purple Spanish Tortilla - this is more of a frittata to me but WOW does it look amazingly good. THIS is my NEXT recipe to try for sure! Can't wait! (See the picture to the right of this one!)
  
• Marinated Purple Potatoes - this is more of a "potato salad" style recipe but looks very delicious. My guy won't go for the "heat" but I'm thinking I can tone it down and bit and I think in place of ricotta cheese I may do a fat free feta.
  

Why purple potatoes, you may ask? Well, I wondered the same thing. Our original reason for purchasing them was simply based upon the words "best mashed potatoes you will ever eat".  I'm not sure I'd go with that completely, but they are definitely the most interesting mashed potato you will ever try. If the color alone doesn't start a great conversation nothing will. But what are the real reasons for these strange creatures to dress your table, other than great color & a conversation piece? 

Purple potatoes were "created" so to speak in 2006, according to NYMag.Com, in Colorado. They were a natural cross breed, created for the main reason of making a high antioxidant potato. They wanted an almost "Super Spud" so to speak that was blessed with the normal great vitamins and health benefits of the potato along with super high antioxidant levels. They were brought mainstream by chef Alex Paffenroth of The Greenmarket and seemed to kind of take hold with a lot of different chefs after that.

Wish me luck on my journey to "eating clean" and  healthy! 
And please feel free to comment and share ideas for trying to live and eat "clean"!
 

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AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!
Mention Beverly's Blog "One Day At A Time"  when you order 
to get the best price available!

Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3.

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc. and Points® is a registered trademark of the Weight Watchers® company.

Wash that Produce if you can't buy organic!

One of the things I found with trying to "eat organic", especially with fruits and veggies, is that it's often just not feasible to purchase these items from the grocery! You can get some items decently priced, especially if you get locally grown items but for the most part you can get a whole lot of a "non-organic" produce product for the same price as one organic piece. It's sad, but true.

When I realized that some products are worth buying organic, simply because of the amounts of pesticides used and found on them I also realized that this meant it was going to have to be "okay" to purchase some fruits and veggies non-organic.

I found the recipe for a homemade soak for your fruits and veggies that is so simple and helps you get rid of the chemicals! You simply mix equal parts water and white vinegar, or you can use a veggie wash like Environne, which removes chemicals from the surface.(But I say why pay the extra money when you can use water and vinegar?)

Because pesticides are created to be water-resistant (they have to stay on even when it rains), just water is often not enough to get the chemicals off.

Most of all, keep in mind the list of the Dirty Dozen in mind when buying your produce! These 12 types of produce have been found to have the highest pesticides on them:

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet bell peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Pears
9. Grapes
10. Imported spinach
11. Lettuce
12. Potatoes

Oddly enough, sweet potatoes are one of the lowest! Makes no sense to me, but I guess there's a reason. So if you can buy the above produce organically it's best. But if not, use the wash I've posted to help get rid of the chemicals that kill!

Wish me luck! And please feel free to comment and share ideas for trying to live and eat "clean"!

AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!
Use DISCOUNT CODE 112BP to get the best price available!
Ask for a free sample!

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3.

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc. and Points® is a registered trademark of the Weight Watchers® company.

After being out of the loop for a while I decided that as part of my New Year I'd make it a point to get back on and try to blog, so here I am!

Let me start by saying HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! I hope everyone had a lovely "holiday" season, whatever you celebrated and is ready to start their New Year with a New Attitude about being healthy. I must confess, I never make "resolutions" on New Years but I do see it as a time, especially after so much over-indulgence, to jump back on the "healthy bus" so to speak, and make yourself feel good (again, hopefully?) about your lifestyle & habits.

Like most people I over-indulged during the holidays but I will say, even with all the extra garbage I ate I managed to maintain my weight THANKS TO ASSISTU!!!!! The AssistU metabolized even the crappy food I ate, well enough for it not to hang around an add the pounds. I fluctuated no more than 1 lb. during the entire holiday season! So if it works so well when you DON'T watch what you eat, can you imagine what it does when you DO?!

Below is one of my favorite recipes of all time. I actually made it long before I saw it posted on Wegman's site, but they now have it listed as a recipe AND with the nutritional info! Their recipe is slightly different than what mine, only because they use already infused oils & such, but nothing that would change the points by anything! This dish comes in so low on the Point system (2) that I double up my serving, to help me get full and satisfied! I posted Wegmans version below (you can find it on their site) with comments of how my original version was, in case you can't find the ingredients that are specific to Wegmans stores.

Roasted Fingerling Carrots & Butternut Squash (2)

SERVES 6

1 pkg (16 oz) Baby-Cut Carrots
1 pkg (20 oz) Fresh Cleaned & Cut Butternut Squash, cut in 1-inch pieces
3 Tbsp Wegmans Basting Oil (my original recipe I used to use simple Canola Oil & add my own fresh thyme, garlic & parsley - using this already infused oil is excellent, easier and has a slightly better taste!) ((my original version called for 3 Tbsp canola oil 1/2 sprig fresh thyme and 1/8 tsp. crushed garlic and 1/4 tsp parsley))
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp Italian Classics Sicilian Lemon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (again, this is the Wegmans recipe version, using the already combined EVOO and lemon) ((my original version called for 1 Tbsp. EVOO and the juice of 1/2 fresh lemon squirted on top))

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Arrange vegetables in single layer in large shallow pan; drizzle with basting oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
   
2. Roast on center rack of oven about 40 min, until tender when poked with a fork & lightly browned.
   
3. Drizzle with lemon oil just before serving.

Nutrition Info: Each serving (1 cup) contains 130 calories, 18 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 2 g protein, 7 g fat, (1 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, and 65 mg sodium.

AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!
Use DISCOUNT CODE 112BP to get the best price available!
Ask for a free sample!

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3.

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Sweet 'n Sour Asian Chicken Salad

Today's creation came from the desire to have a much loved "junk food" that's common to the Erie area - Grilled Chicken or Steak Salad. Now you have to understand, the term "junk food" applies because generally, around here, they create this amazing, delicious one bowl dinner using less than "healthy" ingredients! I've, of course, RE-created the typical fry laden, cheese smothered dish to taste just as good but with a lot less fat & calories!

Alexia® Fries are my savior when it comes to having a wonderfully healthy alternative! They ARE french fries... just not "fried" & definitely not full of fat & calories! Each serving of Alexia Fries almost always comes out to about 3 points® per serving, be sure to check their label to make sure! Serving sizes are very generous too! Today's recipe I used the Yukon Gold Julienne Sliced Fries.

Asian Grilled Chicken Salad (8)

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbls. Sweet 'n Sour Sauce (check label find lowest points available - I used Wegman's @ 1pt./Tbls) <1>
  
• 1 boneless, skinless frozen chicken breast <3>
  
• bagged salad mix <0>
  
• 24 French Fries (Recipe is created/counted using Alexia Yukon Gold's which are SO very low in points & awesomely delish) <3>
  
• 1/4 Cup Fat Free Shredded Cheddar <1>
  
• Fat Free Dressing of Choice (I used Wegman's Fat Free Roasted Red Pepper) <0>
  
• *Optional veggies you like in your salad
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper & Fresh Ground Sea Salt
  

Bake Alexia Yukon Gold Julienne Style Fries in oven (takes 20-25 minutes)

Grill chicken breast on grill ( I use the "Big George"), add 1 Tbls. sweet 'n sour sauce at end to flavor it.

Chop chicken breast into bite sized pieces.

Place chicken, fries, cheddar cheese on top of bed of lettuce (I use the prepackaged salad mixes for speed & ease)

Top with dressing of your choice. (Fat Free)

Add any additional veggies you like (suggestions: onion, tomatoes, cucumbers)

Top with freshly ground black pepper & sea salt.

* As with all recipes points®/calories/fats will vary according to ingredients so please be sure to figure your own nutritional information out according to the packages & information of the products you use.



Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!

Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties Challenge #3 while you are there!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness



3.

4. BWJEN



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.