Recession Proof Recipes: Palate-Pleasing Plates That Save Cents

EAGLE, Idaho, March 6, 2009 - It is no secret that supermarket spending has been impacted by the recession.  Whether you live in a small town or big city, all consumers are seeking solutions to cut corners.  Today, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) launches "Watching Waistlines and Wallets" (www.idahopotato.com/waistlines_wallets), a web-based resource designed to help cost-conscious shoppers cook-up meals that bank on flavor while saving cents.  No longer will Americans have to compromise their palates or pocketbooks to serve up satisfying meals!

"Watching Waistlines and Wallets" features a repertoire of recession-proof and nutritious recipes all for less than an estimated $3.50 per serving.  Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals without having to do the math.  This carefully selected inventory of tried and true Idaho® potato recipes showcases convenient meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner that are great tasting and use commonly stocked pantry items.  A sampling of recipes and their approximate cost include:

• Breakfast:  Fruity Idaho® Potato Breakfast Squares - $1.10 per serving


• Lunch:  Idaho Potato Crusted Pizza - $1.50 per serving


• Dinner:  Hearty and Heart Healthy Idaho Potato Soup/Stew -- $2.00 per serving


• Side Dish:  Low-Fat Idaho Potato Gratin -- $1.00 per serving

"While trying to maximize our meal-planning budgets it has become increasingly important to understand the nutritional ROI (return on investment) of every meal," says Frank Muir, President/CEO, IPC.  "When it comes down to it, cost and convenience usually are considered more often than flavor or healthfulness.  We've packaged all four of these factors into 'Watching Waistlines and Wallets' and are excited to share this valuable, user-friendly resource with consumers."

Each recipe begins with nutritious Idaho® potatoes as the building block.  In fact, one 5.3 oz spud is only 110 calories, contains zero fat and cholesterol, and is packed with nutrients including 45% daily value of vitamin C, nearly two times as much potassium as a banana, fiber, protein, vitamin B6 and complex carbohydrates.  At about 25 cents per potato, that's a lot of nutritional bang for your buck -- and even better, your quarter!

Next, add the convenience factor.  Whether you're running after kids or running a business, all recipes feature simple instructions and commonly stocked pantry items.  With an assortment of recipes and variety of preparation techniques, you will be amazed at the endless options for Idaho® potato preparations.

For the complete database of "Watching Wallets and Waistlines" recipes, including eye-catching photographs and important nutrition information, please visit www.idahopotato.com/waistlines_wallets.

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.