Ask Dr. Potato

Q: Fries used to be the only side option with our bundled meals, but now we have many side dish options. I believe these extra options are the reason why our food costs have been climbing—fries were much more profitable than offering a side salad or fruit. How can I get my profits back up?

Q: Why are my potatoes a grey color? After I peel the potato, little grey lines appear throughout the flesh. Are they still good to use?

Q: What is the optimal depth to poke a potato before baking? And how far apart should the pokes be?

Q: I’m going camping and I want to pre-cook potatoes to fry them in morning and have ham potatoes and white sauce at night.  How should I cook and refrigerate them? Also how long will they last?

Q: With all the wonderful photos and recipes posted now on Pinterest, is Idaho there too?

Q: This one is from the Doctor himself... It's time to re-invent the classic potato dishes instead of tossing them out for untried experimentation... Agree or disagree?

Q: One of the recent posts was about re-visiting classics when it comes to keeping traditional potato recipes in front of guests or friends, but treating them to a little menu re-engineering ... So what have you seen done lately with that old time favorite, shepherd’s pie* ?

Q: I need to keep at least 500 to 1000 large Idaho baked potatoes hot for about 8 hours and still be able to serve them up. I know from past experience that I was able to keep them relatively fresh by using an ice chest. But that was only for 150 large bakers. All I have for heat are two large BBQ's. Please let me know if this is possible.

Q: I am in the planning stages of starting a small business of selling baked stuffed potatoes at local fairs here in Massachusetts. My vision is to incorporate small concessions stands and the possibility of a food truck version all using Idaho grown potatoes  I am writing in hopes that you may have ideas or helpful information on potato distributors or equipment vendors. I have found only a few LP Baked Potato cookers and they are all manufactured and sold overseas, anything in the states?

Q: I am looking for something unique to bring to our football tailgating event that might reflect that I am from Idaho. Any suggestions?