Recipe #60 - Jazzed-Up Hash Browns

Potatoes can be boring. But they don't have to be. Try this with poached eggs and toasted slices of ciabatta bread.

Makes four servings.

2 Yukon Gold potatoes, shredded and thoroughly rinsed and squeezed dry
1 large shallot, peeled and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeds and pith removed, finely chopped
1 small carrot, peeled and shredded
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 Tbsp. canola oil
Essence and lemon salt as desired (recipes follow)

Mix together veggie ingredients in a large bowl. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet until hot, then add veggies. Stir to distribute butter and oil somewhat.

Cover pan and allow to cook for about five minutes. Check the bottom side with a spatula to see if there's any burning. When it seems well browned on the bottom, flip the spuds to the other side. (You may need to do this in sections; it's OK for this process to get messy, as it doesn't need to be perfect.)

Continue cooking with the cover on for several more minutes. After both sides seem well browned, check the interior of the spud mixture to make sure everything is cooked through. Flip around in sections to get things as browned and crispy as you like.

Sprinkle with essence and lemon salt and serve hot.

ESSENCE:

Full disclosure: We lifted the recipe for Essence from the legendary Emeril Lagasse of Food Network fame. We wanted to have some of this stuff around all the time, but decided to alter the recipe to cut back on the salt content. So this recipe is identical to Emeril's with the exception of half the salt.

2.5 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. salt
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. black pepper
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp. dried crushed oregano
1 Tbsp. dried crushed thyme

Put all ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously. Keep this condiment in your pantry for use any time.

LEMON SALT:

1 cup sea salt
Zest of 2 fresh lemons

Put salt and lemon zest in a jar and shake well. Keep tightly sealed. It will keep indefinitely.