Idaho Potato Commission's Expanding YouTube Video Collection Teaches a Variety of Tater Techniques from Dicing to Deep Frying

Average Betty's Idaho® Potato Series Exceeds 36,000 Views

EAGLE, ID, November 16, 2011 – Cooking demonstrations have moved from kitchens to computers and Idaho® potatoes are taking center stage in a variety of instructional videos across the web. Popular blogger Average Betty (www.averagebetty.com) has produced six videos for the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), and the IPC recently launched its own how-to series, Potato 101. "These educational vignettes are intended to empower home cooks and young foodservice professionals alike to master different potato preparation techniques," said Don Odiorne, Vice President, Foodservice, IPC.

Average Betty, also known as Sara O'Donnell, is fast becoming a popular YouTube personality in addition to being one of the most followed food bloggers on the web. Her Idaho® potato videos are a YouTube sensation with over 36,400 views in just a few short months. The popularity of Average Betty is expected to grow exponentially as O'Donnell was recently selected as one of only 16 YouTube Next Chefs, a program which highlights YouTube cooking personalities from all over the world.

In her fun, quirky style, O'Donnell has demonstrated how to make several Idaho® potato dishes including Salt Baked Potatoes, Potato Cup Frittatas and her most recent, Mashed Potato Pizza.

Sara O'Donnell of Average Betty creates mouthwatering Idaho® potato recipes for home cookes. (Photo courtesy of AverageBetty.com)

"We're thrilled by the number of views the Average Betty videos have received to date," said Odiorne. "Not only are her featured Idaho® potato recipes unique and delicious, but Sara's approachable style and sense of humor are truly what make these educational videos fun to watch."

In addition, the IPC recently launched its own video series: Potato 101. These instructional videos offer quick overviews on potato preparations ranging from basic chopping and mashing, to lesser-known techniques such as "fanning" for Hasselback potatoes.

The wide-range of Potato 101 vignette subjects include:

• Baking

• Blanching

• Boiling and Steaming

• Chopping

• Cleaning

• Deep Frying

• Dicing

• French Fries

• Grating

• Hasselback

• Making Potato Chips

• Mashing

• Peeling

• Potato Skins

• Roasting

• Sautéing

• Slicing

• Storage

Sautéing Idaho® potatoes is just one of the many cooking techniques featured on Potato101.com.

Sara O'Donnell of Average Betty creates mouthwatering Idaho® potato recipes for home cookes. (Photo courtesy of AverageBetty.com)

Average Betty's Idaho® potato videos are available at www.youtube.com/averagebetty and www.youtube.com/idahopotatovideos under "Favorites."

To view all the Potato 101 video demonstrations, visit www.potato101.com.

About the Idaho Potato Commission
The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the "Idaho® potato" and "Grown in Idaho®" seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho. For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.

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