It was an eye-opening opportunity for us when we were invited to attend ""Healthy Delicious Dishes with US Potatoes", organized by US Potatoes Board. This short yet compact workshop showcased the innovative ways to unleash the potential of the nutritious and quality U.S. Tablestock Potatoes & U.S. Frozen Potatoes. Moreover, we were honoured to have Chef Audee Cheah, the President of Penang Chef Association to cook on spot so we can have a glimpse on how a professional churns out some glittering US potatoes.
Prior attending the event, we thought a potato is just a potato, probably with different originating countries. However, we were shared that U.S. Potatoes mainly branched into 2 different branches, namely U.S. Tablestock Potatoes and U.S. Frozen Frozen Potatoes with unique preparation methods. Great thing is that they are widely available in retail stores now.
U.S. Tablestock Potatoes
- Russet Potatoes - to make light and fluffy mashed potatoes, fry up crisp and golden snacks or baking
- White Potatoes - grilling, potatoes salads, making mashed potatoes without the needs of peeling
- Round Red Potatoes - the flesh stays firm throughout cooking process due to their waxy texture, making it a good choice to make potato salads or add pizzazz to soups and stews.
- Yellow Flesh Potatoes - used to create a lighter versions of baked, roasted or mashed potatoes. Grilling will introduce a sweet caramelized flavour.
- Blue Purple Potatoes - used to make salads due to its moist and firm flesh and complement green salad flavours. Can be used for steaming and baking.
- Fingerlings - Its colours and shapes are scoring points for presentation. Best for pan-frying and roasting to enhance their robust flavour and showcase the wonderful nutty or wonderful taste.
U.S. Frozen Potatoes
- Frozen Half Shells - to fill them up with a variety of fillings such as cheeses, vegetables and meats. Serve well as appetizers and side-dish choices.
- Lattice / Basket Weave Cuts - thick cut, unique waffle-like shape provides a longer holding time and outstanding plate coverage. Serve well as appetizer with dipping sauce or toppings.
- Frozen Wedges - The name tells its usage! It is ideal for home delivery, room services or drive-through services. It is a popular cut to serve with grilled meat, sandwiches or toppings of pizzas.
- Tater Drums - go well with hamburgers and a variety of sauces / dips.
- Frozen Hash Brown Patties - side dish of breakfast, toppings of burgers.
- Frozen Mashed Potatoes - Beneficial in healthcare settings, can be enhanced with a variety of toppings or spices to create a customized flavour.
- Frozen Straight Cut Fries - who doesn not love fries when it is served hot and lightly salted?
- Crinkle Cut Fries - Its distinctive cuts make it visually interesting, serve as a choice in beer pubs as appetizers.
- Loop / Curly Fries - Curly texture made it excellent for plate coverage and extended holding time. Ideal for home delivery and hotels.
- Whole Frozen Baked Potatoes - Heat in the oven or microwave and it is a perfect meal by it self or accompany an entree.
As today is a pure potatoes event, we were pampered with a series of potatoes prepared fresh using U.S. Potatoes by the chefs at St. Giles Wembley Penang.
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| Introductory message by Mr. WilliamT Tan, PJK, the Macrom Manager of Penang Chef Association |
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| Welcoming message by Mr. Richard Lieu, Trade Promotions Director of US Potatoes |
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| Miss Khoo An Jo, a practising dietitian is there to debunk the negative myth on potatoes and its nutritional benefits |
We had a short welcoming and introductory message by Mr. WilliamT Tan, the Marcom manager of Penang Chef Association, followed by Mr. Richard Lieu, the trade promotion directors of US Potatoes. The event then continued by having a 30 minute session with Miss Khoo An Jo, a practising dietitian to share her professional input on the nutritional benefits of potatoes.
The peak of the program came when Chef Audee Cheah, PKT PJK, an international award winning chef cum president of Penang Chef Association to showcase his culinary skills on how to turn the usual potatoes into some exciting dishes. We still recall the show when Chef Audee hosting Chef Gordon Ramsey, the world renowned celebrity chef when he was in Penang.
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| U.S. Potatoes and Prawn Kerabu |
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| Kimchi Seaweed U.S. Lattice Cut Fries |
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| Chilli Flavoured U.S. Potato Wedges in Lettuce Cups |
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| Curry Chicken Stuffed U.S. Potatoes |
- U.S. Potatoes and Prawn Kerabu
- Kimchi Seaweed U.S. Lattice Cut Fries
- Chili Flavoured U.S. Potatoes Wedges in Lettuce Cups
- Curry Chicken Stuff U.S. Potatoes
Chef Audee demonstrated incredible skills and creativity by infusing U.S. Potatoes into local delicacies, yet showcasing potatoes' strength in each of the dish. For instance, the curry chicken stuff U.S. Potatoes will lose their radiance if they were served separated but the dish got elevated when these potatoes and the curry chicken combined.
So, are you intrigued to make some creative potatoes home cooked dishes now? If you are interested to know more about U.S. Potatoes, please go to their website. Those who are interested in the recipe by Chef Audee Cheah to prepare the 4 incredible dishes may drop us an email too.
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