Ask Dr. Potato

Q: Sometimes at home I fix a single baked potato for dinner, sometimes for the family I bake 4-5 at a time. How can I easily tell when they are done?

Q: I'm dicing Yukon Gold potatoes to make hash browns or home fried potatoes. How many pounds of potatoes should I use? There will be other sides. It's a breakfast with: eggs, grits, and oatmeal as options and or additions to each plate.

Q: I ordered several cases of potatoes and when they arrived, most of them were sprouting. What caused the potatoes to sprout so fast during shipping?

Q: We are having an event where we will be serving baked potatoes.  I will be cooking 30-40 medium to large Idaho potatoes in our oven.  We have two ovens - one with two racks, the other with one.  I typically wash the potatoes, poke them a few times, and place them right on the rack at about 400°F for 60 minutes.  Considering the number of potatoes and their size I have a few questions below:  (Answers are in red) What temperature do you suggest I use to cook them?

Q: Our church is planning a potato bar to be served after our Ash Wednesday service. We are planning for 150 to 200 people. We do not have a commercial grade oven so we were wondering if we could put them in roasters. Would this work? Should they be wrapped in aluminum foil? How long would they need to be in roasters?

Q: Would enhancing the description or playing upon the style of cooking or quality of ingredients help my baked potato sales? I do use Idaho Russet Burbank’s but on the menu it just lists as Baked Taters.

Q: I have heard that potatoes have as much potassium as a banana, is that true?

Q: Are instant mashed potatoes really made from potatoes or is it some fabricated chemical combination of things made to taste mostly like potatoes?

Q: I want a decadent appetizer that has a great food cost and includes potatoes. Have you seen anything in your travels that would make a terrific bar food choice?

Q: I was in an interesting pizza restaurant the other day, 800 Degrees in Westwood California and I noticed that they offered three basic pies and then a bunch of upscale toppings, each priced at $1. This intrigues me. Have you ever seen a QSR or fast food place do this with Idaho baked potatoes?