Tater Talk September 2024

September 2024

School Days…or Daze???

Anyone with school age kids knows that back to school is BUSY! The first few weeks can certainly feel like you’re in a daze. While the Idaho Potato Commission can’t help wake up the kids in the morning or fill out the endless forms, we can take some of the pressure off mealtime. Potato Quesadillas with Ham and Cheese are easy to make and an all-time favorite. And, ask the kids to help. It’s a great time to hear about their day.

Click here for more recipes for the kiddos.

News

Watching Waistlines & Wallets

Looking for a potato party in Idaho? Two spudtacular events will be celebrating the Famous Idaho® potato this month. The second annual Potato Days is back at Kleiner Park in Meridian September 20-22 for a 3-day mashup of carnival fun, games, food trucks and keep your eyes peeled for the Big Idaho® Potato Truck and Spuddy Buddy! If you are on the eastern side of the state September 21, be sure to visit Shelley Spud Day, a 97-year tradition, loaded with tons of spud activities like French fry eating contest, potato sack races, food trucks and more!

Meet an Idaho Potato Farmer and His Wife

Mark Darrington’s passion for farming is evident the minute you ask him about his potato crop. His wife Verla, who helped him build the family farm loves the togetherness it has created for her family.

Their story can be viewed here.

Click here to meet more farmers who grow America's favorite vegetable.

Giant Idaho® Baked Potato

The recipe sounds pretty easy to make, because it is! If you’ve got a refrigerator drawer full of veggies and a few bakers…you’ve got dinner! The beauty of creating a Baked Potato Bar for dinner is that it’s totally customizable for each person. Place all the toppings in separate bowls and create a baked potato bar buffet…who doesn’t love unlimited toppings!

Head to the Idaho® Potato You Tube channel for more family favorites!

Ask Dr. Potato

Q: I heard using aluminum foil should not touch our food. Should we avoid using it if we want to eat the skin? What about tenting the potatoes?

A: Using aluminum foil is fine. Avoid using it as a wrap when baking potatoes; foil will prevent moisture from the potato to escape during cooking. This will cause the interior of the potato to be less dry and fluffy (desirable trait) and more of a gummy-texture (less desirable). So, avoid wrapping potatoes in foil when baking.