February is Potato Lover’s Month!

Looking for a quick side dish or something to whip up for a snack? How about something crafty to do with the kids? Look no further than the sack of potatoes you probably have sitting in your cabinet.

Potatoes are very easy to cook and can be used in a wide variety of recipes. They are also a great addition to your diet. Did you know that the skin of a potato is edible? In fact, according to coloradopotatoes.org, the skin contains half of the potato’s dietary fiber. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, containing almost half of your daily recommended vitamin C and about 1/5 of your daily recommended potassium. Did I mention they are cheap and long lasting? Potatoes can be stored for up to five weeks in your pantry, making them the perfect go-to vegetable. [More potato trivia and fun facts.]

For a side dish, try the Creamy Boursin Smashed Red-Skinned Potatoes recipe. Its a flavorful version of the traditional mashed potatoes and its quick and easy. Want some crispy potato wedges? Slice an uncooked potato into 1/4 inch wedges and toss in a bowl with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Cook at 400 for 10 minutes, flip, then cook until crispy, about 10 more minutes. These fries accompany a burger perfectly. For more recipes, search “potato” on Pinterest and find an abundance of creative and delicious ideas.

As yummy as potatoes are, you can also use them for a rainy day kids craft. An adult can cut the potatoes in half, draw a shape and cut out with a sharp knife. Pour some paint in a bowl and let the kids create fun veggie art!

Whether in your tummy or art on the wall, potatoes are a crowd-pleasing vegetable with endless possibilities.

More potato recipes to tempt your taste buds:
Horseradish Potato Salad
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Stew