In my heart, I am a simple girl, though I am sure to others, I might appear complicated.Whatever. It's Monday and I'm not into quibbling, so let's not. Last night I watched the Emmy's. Now, keep in mind, I really hardly watch TV except when the Olympics are on, or a really good movie. I can get into some of the HBO series and the AKC kennel club dog show in February and some of the Animal Planet shows make me cry. I love movies-but I strictly do not like horror or sci fi, or these crazy zombie things, even though I feel like a zombie half the time a a lot. Man servant watches all the news channels and that stock guy, the one that yells all the time and sounds like baby.You know who I mean don't you? But I think everyone on those shows yell and sound like babies. They need a time out.
He also likes Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones. I like Boardwalk Empire except when they start killing. I have enough people I want to kill in my head so I don't need to watch it on TV. I do watch the food channels-sometimes-but I get tired of Guy Fieri and Chopped. I love that Betty White show where the old people prank the young ones. I'm already thinking of mine. I love to laugh when I get the chance which doesn't come often enough. And on her show, I get all the jokes. Oh, I do love Anthony Bourdain, but who doesn't? He's a little tall for me, though. And last but not least, I watch the home channel. I love to see people's homes. I think it tells a lot about who they are or aren't. So to sum it all up - I prefer reading.
But last night I watched the Emmy's while cooking. So, I sort of watched the Emmy's. It started out pretty funny. I liked that. But I really watch the Emmy's and the Oscar's because I watch the dresses and the jewelry. I'm a pretty simple girl, but I love jewelry. I couldn't tell you who was in the dresses because I don't really know names, but I can tell you that I didn't see much I liked.
I liked Kerry Washington's dress, which was gorgeous and perfect for a wedding. I liked Michelle Dockery's dress from the back, but not from the front. And she really needed a better bra. And Zooey Deschanel- loved that-so classic and simple and elegant, all at the same time. And I definitely hated the green dress worn by Mayim Bialik. My daughter used to love that color in high school and though she looks good in everything, that is just not a good color; for carpet or people. Ooh, I am so cruel. But it's Monday. And here is a link to all those dresses I was talking about and more.
But like I said...I am just a simple girl at heart. I'm still waiting to buy my first pair of stilettos or those really high heeled stacked shoes, but I would fall off, I just know it, and so I try to hide my Merrill clogs under my too long jeans. After all, who looks down? But my daughter tells me kitten heels are making a comeback and since I laugh every time I hear that name, if I ever get to go out in public again, I just may have to look into those. (Breathe. What a long sentence.) So forget the shoes, it is the bag that makes the outfit. And thanks to my mum, I have that.
So, I'm a simple girl. Got that? And simple girls like potatoes. Make that love potatoes. And this simple, complicated girl could live on potatoes, which as a good thing in case she has to resort to that. But manservant likes protein and that is his problem. Potatoes can wear a lot of different disguises, just like some of the above people wearing those "glamorous gowns" and curtains. That's one reason I love potatoes. Dress 'em up. Dress'em down. Take'em out. Leave'em at home. Just eat'em. This recipe makes a savory, crispy potato with a soft and fluffy interior. I love these Cajun potatoes. Full of spice and everything nice-most definitely not like me, on a Monday!
Cajun Brabant Potatoes - Paul Prudhomme, Serves 4-6
2 ½ qts water
2 T salt, in all
3 large white potatoes, unpeeled and scrubbed, about 10 oz each
¼ t white pepper
¼ t onion powder
¼ t garlic powder
¼ t black pepper
⅛ t cumin
⅛ t cayenne pepper
Canola oil for frying
Combine the 2 ½ quarts of water with 1 ½T of salt and bring to a rapid boil. Meanwhile, quarter the potatoes lengthwise, then cut them into 1 inch cubes. Add cubes to boiling water; cover and cook over high heat until just fork tender, about 7 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to cool.
In a small bowl combine the remaining 1 ½T salt, and the rest of the seasonings. Mix well. Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over potatoes, while very gently tossing them, taking care not to break up chunks.
In a large, heavy skillet, heat 1" oil to 350. Fry potatoes in several batches, one layer at a time, so all can catch bottom heat, until golden brown on all sides, about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
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Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
I decided to take a time out from news on tv a few years ago, so now I have my mom calling all the time because she knows I'd have no clue about whatever is going on right now in the world, and she thinks I should! But I do watch series, though I agree with you, no zombie or sci-fi! Love the potatoes Abbe!
Kim Bee says
I didn't get a chance to watch the Emmy's. I am however watching World War Z for the 5th time right now so yah for zombies for me. And Brad Pitt. Also yah for potatoes. Love these.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Well, I do like Brad Pitt! And potatoes. Is he a zombie in this?
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
I couldn't watch the Emmys so recorded it. I doubt I go back and watch it. These potatoes look incredible Abbe. A must make for me.
Abbe Odenwalder says
I always record things that I don't watch. Or at least I ask manservant to record for me! Enjoy them!
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Abbe, you are hilarious! Yep - love the Olympics and dog shows ... thumbs-down on zombies ... know exactly who the yelling stock guy is ... Hey - I prefer reading, too! (Are you totally in my head today, or what!?!?) Oh, and these potatoes. They look so good, it would probably be worth watching a zombie flick if I got to eat these while I watched!!! 😀
Abbe Odenwalder says
You are so right Shelley. Definitely worth watching a zombie flick to eat these!
Laura Dembowski says
Oh, these potatoes look perfectly crispy and delicious! Love them! I love watching TV and the Emmys. I really hope to go one day. I loved Michelle Dockery's dress, as well as Zooey Deschanel's.
Abbe Odenwalder says
We 3/4 agree! Yay! And maybe you will go one day! I hope you do and then you could invite me!
Lisa says
Those potatoes look amazing! I love spicy or seasoned potatoes but don't eat them very often.
Abbe Odenwalder says
I have a hard time staying away from potatoes but manservant doesn't like to eat white things! So I try not to eat as many as I would like!
Biz says
I could never walk in high heels - I have absolutely no balance for them! I love Anthony Bordain too - have you seen his new show on the Travel channel yet?
Abbe Odenwalder says
I do watch it, but isn't it the one now on CNN? Manservant turns it on, so I never know what channel. High heels just don't work for me.
Katherine Martinelli says
I totally missed the emmy's but these potatoes sure do look good - they look so nice and crispy!
Abbe Odenwalder says
They are great ones, Katherine. Thanks for visiting!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Monet! And the potatoes are great. Just what I need to eat if I ever get the chance to fit into one of those dresses!
Monet says
Hi Abbe! I'm with you...I watch those award shows for the dresses and the jewelry! These potatoes look perfect! Thank you for sharing them with us!
technology capitalists says
There's a reason they say things like "he's a meat and potatoes kind of guy". They don't say "potatoes and meat" ; nor, do they say just "potatoes". Potatoes are meant to be an accompaniment to protein. Think how much better the photos would have been if you'd had a giant pink sliced up prime rib next to your potatoes 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Oh, Mr.TC. You are a funny man. I'm not sure I could afford a prime rib if I wanted one. Just make it lobster instead.
Anna and Liz Recipes says
These potatoes look amazing! And, I love all the seasonings added to them.
Perfect for anytime!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Anna and Liz. The seasonings truly take them out of the ordinary. But I have a hard time calling potatoes ordinary!
Tricia Buice says
Well Abbe - for a simple girl you sure do make some perfectly beautiful potatoes. I can see these served with an egg and toast - what a happy breakfast that would be. Thanks!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Tricia. They would be great even w/o the eggs and toast! But I do like eggs and toast!
Eva Kosmas says
These look SO good, and I love all the seasonings on them! I've been craving potatoes for a while now...goignt o have to give these little guys a try!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Enjoy these Eva. They were great little guys!
kumars kitchen says
quick and fuss free potatoes...the cajun spice is so perfectly tempting...can have these browned potatoes for breakfast,lunch and dinner,thanks 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
I'm with you, Kumars. I love potatoes and these were superb!
shannon weber says
yay for spiced potatoes! nothing wrong with that at all, Abbe. I didn't watch the Emmy's, but when i do, it's always for the dresses. ALWAYS. i enjoy tv, but since having the little one three years ago, I can't watch it like i used to: my attention span just isn't there, and it has to be really good for me to latch on to it: typically "really good" equals "not kid friendly" in my world, so...books at night. sometimes i record really good shows. I was always more of a movie girl anyway, i think. 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
I couldn't read as much when my kids were young. Though I always read before bed. Back then, I did a lot of magazines. The only show I watched when my kids were young was ER, and that came on at 9. I still miss it! It was like my night-don't bother mom! But with any luck, they were in bed.
Cathleen says
I love potatoes so much!! These are perfect for me
Angie Schneider says
Horror or sci fi ain't my thing either. The only vampire books I used to like is Twilight, but the movies suck! Didn't watch Emmy
Your cajun potatoes look so yum, Abbe.
Abbe Odenwalder says
I forgot about Twilight. Loved those books and the movies were just OK. My daughter got me into those!
Kitchen Riffs says
Great looking potatoes - nice and spicy. Which I like. And crispy, too. 😉 Have to say we watch very little TV - in fact we dropped cable a couple of years ago and don't miss it. We did install one of those rooftop antennas (how 50s of us!) just so we could get some of the local broadcast channels (gotta watch football, and some of the PBS stuff). Anyway, good recipe - thanks.
Abbe Odenwalder says
I do like Antique Road Show! Football? Well I did watch it somewhat with manservant last night. He was very happy-not about me watching, silly-about the score!
Liz Berg says
I am always looking for new ways to make potatoes...and I know these would be a hit! We were circling your fair city last night on our way home from Seattle. Both Seattle and Denver had weather delays...and I'm SO happy to be home:)
Abbe Odenwalder says
High winds in Denver. I hate circling! These were more than good, potatoes!
vanillasugarblog says
you know I can't get into that Emmy or Oscar stuff.
I just watch tv for Survivor, Top Chef and Project Runway.
I LOVE that crispy crust on these potatoes.
Don't we all look to achieve that when we make hash browns or taters?
Abbe Odenwalder says
Love crispy! And just started with this episode of Survivor-we'll see how long we last. I need to find Top Chef-everyone talks about that one. Thanks for commenting!
Anonymous says
Kinda new w/TIHIC. Learning that you are sooo funny! For that reason alone I love your posts!!
The potatoes are rockin. Nothing beats a potato .... any way!
Marcee/Chicago
Abbe Odenwalder says
🙂 The potatoes definitely rock! Thanks for reading!