Ask Dr. Potato

Q: Who invented hash browns? I have a theory…When my wife and I have steak and cook too many baked potatoes, she refrigerates them overnight, grates them the next morning, and makes very, very good hash browns.   Nothing added–just the old baked potatoes fried in a cast iron pan.  I heard my late father speak of staying in hotels (he was born in 1902) and the fabulous breakfasts they would have.  I’ve wondered for years if during rough times, the big hotels possibly saved the leftover baked potatoes from the night before and made hash browns out of them like she and I do now.  I really don’t recall if someone suggested this to me, if I sublimely recall the old folks mentioning it, or if I dreamed it up.  I doubt that I will run into anyone who worked in an old hotel in my neighborhood, but will ask any old timers I might run into, and if you know any older hoteliers, please ask them.

Q: I have a friend who needs some ideas on a cost conscious wedding reception, any potato ideas?

Q: Any suggestions for using potatoes to replace pasta in a recipe?

Q: What kind of potatoes were served on menus back in the early 1900’s?

Q: How long can mashed potatoes be stored in the fridge and still be safe to eat?

Q: My Grandmother told me that they eyes of the potatoes are poisonous and I shouldn’t eat them, is this true?

Q: My son wants to know how the French fries he has at fast food chains are made?

Q: I would like to start my own business: fresh cut potatoes and gravy, along with maybe hamburgers or hot dogs.  I need to know the best way to get crispy French fries from fresh cut potatoes.  I need to know the procedure, what is the best type of oil to use, and, in your opinion, what is better to use: regular potatoes or organic potatoes?

Q: With all the pressures on getting customers to come back more frequently, and maintain or reduce food costs, do you have any suggestions for our steak house?

Q: Who invented the giant baked potato that you see on steak chain menus such as Del Frisco’s, Morton’s, Ruth Chris, Capital Grille, etc?