’Tis the Season for Idaho® Potatoes: New Holiday How-To Videos and Recipes Featured on IdahoPotato.com

EAGLE, Idaho, November 30, 2012 – It’s no secret that some of the most popular dishes this time of year are the ones made with famous Idaho® potatoes. To help ease meal preparation and alleviate stress, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has called in a few of the pros and gathered its favorite holiday recipes to create a comprehensive resource center that every aspiring home chef must visit.

“In Idaho, potatoes aren’t just a side dish, they’re the centerpiece of the meal. And, we have a sneaking suspicion that many folks around the country feel that same way,” said Frank Muir, President & CEO, IPC. “This holiday season, whether you’re preparing classic mashed potatoes or another family favorite, make sure to look for the well-recognized “Grown in Idaho®” seal when shopping. Idaho® potatoes contain more solids and less water, which make mashed potatoes light and fluffy and your other potato side dishes unforgettable.”

Entertaining How-To Videos
Just in time for the holiday season, food bloggers Sara O’Donnell of Average Betty and Nicole Presley of Presley’s Pantry debuted a new video demonstrating three ways to prepare and enjoy mashed potatoes. Their “Mashed Potato Party!” video peppers in playful banter and stars three different varieties of Idaho® potatoes: Russets, Yukon Golds and Klondike Roses. As Sara says, “Mashed potatoes are the manna that holds holiday meals together!” Sara and Nicole’s video can be viewed at http://www.averagebetty.com/recipes/mashed-potatoes-three-ways/

Watch Average Betty and Presley's Pantry's Mashed Potato Video!

Baked Mashed Idaho® Potatoes

Watch these videos for even more mashed potato know-how:

• How to Make Mashed Potatoes – a classic recipe demonstrated by Geez Louise
• Idaho® Mashed Potato Trio – more creative mix-ins for mashed potatoes
• Potato 101: Mashed Potatoes – tips for perfecting the technique
• Chef Chris Koetke on Creating Signature Mashed Potatoes – make mashed potatoes your own with helpful suggestions from a pro

Abundant Recipe Collection
There’s no shortage of great mashed potato ideas on the IPC’s website. The tried and true Traditional Mashed Idaho® Potatoes is consistently one of the most popular recipes viewed on IdahoPotato.com. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, use them to create mouthwatering Baked Mashed Idaho® Potatoes, another favorite. Visit the full collection of Idaho® mashed potato recipes at http://www.idahopotato.com/holiday_mashed_potatoes.

Don’t stop after you’ve selected your mashed recipes. From scalloped potatoes to latkes, the IPC has a large collection of festive side dishes that are perfect for holiday entertaining. Find them at http://www.idahopotato.com/holiday_entertaining

Mr. Food’s Holiday Side Dish Guide
With so many celebrations centered around mealtime, a holiday feast should be delicious and memorable. In tribute to the late Art Ginsburg, the IPC collaborated with the Mr. Food Test Kitchen team to assemble a “Holiday Side Dish Guide” featuring some of the best recipes to include in your festive spread. Lyonnaise Potatoes is a tasty and easy dish that cooks up in a skillet, leaving plenty of room in the oven, while Cheddar Potato Patties are a perfect contribution to a holiday potluck. Mix and match favorites, and be to sure make enough – these irresistible dishes will likely leave friends and family wanting extra helpings.

For even more tater tips for the season, follow daily updates in the IPC’s active social media communities. Join fellow Idaho® potato fans on Facebook (Facebook.com/FamousIdahoPotatoes), Twitter (@idahopotato) and Pinterest (Pinterest.com/IdahoPotato).

About the Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho's ideal growing conditions, including rich, volcanic soil, climate and irrigation, differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.

For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.
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