Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes

Do you struggle with finding ways to turn leftovers into something new? Struggle no more! Now that you have this potato pancake recipe in your back pocket, you might find yourself intentionally making extra mashed potatoes just so you have an excuse to make them.

Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes

makes 4 potato pancakes

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup well-seasoned mashed potatoes (see note below)

• 1 large egg

• 1 sliced scallion (white and green parts)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 - 1/2 cup all purpose flour

• salt and pepper as needed

• vegetable oil for shallow pan frying

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, sliced scallion, shredded cheddar, and enough flour so that you can form the mixture into 4 patties.

2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1/2-inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. Brown each potato pancake in oil until crisp and brown, 3-5 minutes per side.

4. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving immediately.

Note

• Be sure the mashed potatoes you use are seasoned well - use any recipe you like, or try my Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes or my Lumpy Spuds.

adapted from acre homestead

Peanut Brittle

I have a friend who was amazed when she received a gift of homemade peanut brittle. She thought peanut brittle was one of those things you could only purchase at a store, but I assured her it was easy to make at home. Really tasty too. Be sure to check out the notes section below the recipe to find out how to keep peanut brittle nice and, well, brittle for up to 2 months.

Items needed to make this recipe:

(affiliate links)

• pure vanilla extract https://amzn.to/3ovS9fE

• candy thermometer https://amzn.to/3szQSa4

• half sheet pan https://amzn.to/3tkacXU

• silpat liner https://amzn.to/3Bj6uBx

• flat parchment paper sheets https://amzn.to/35FuEu2

• silicone spatula https://amzn.to/3huTlMv

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Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle

makes about 2 pounds of brittle

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups white granulated sugar

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• 16 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 1/2 teaspoon fine table salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 2 cups shelled, salted roasted peanuts

Directions

1. Line a half sheet pan with a silpat liner or parchment paper; set aside.

2. In a 4-quart or larger heavy-bottomed saucepan (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and salt; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes until the temperature reaches 300F - 310F on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage).

3. Remove saucepan from heat and vigorously stir in baking soda and pure vanilla extract (don’t be alarmed when hot sugar syrup bubbles ferociously).

4. Quickly stir in peanuts and pour hot mixture immediately onto prepared half sheet pan; use a silicone spatula to spread mixture to about 1/4-inch thickness.

5. Allow brittle to cool completely before breaking into serving size pieces (this can take up to an hour). Store at room temperature in airtight container with parchment or wax paper between layers.

Notes

• You can spread the hot brittle mixture on parchment paper or a silpat liner, but I find the silpat liner a bit safer as it doesn’t move around on the sheet pan like parchment has a tendency to.

• I’ve been able to keep brittle crisp for up to two months. Here are my tips:

  • Make sure the brittle is completely cool before placing in storage container.

  • Be sure storage container is very airtight.

  • When opening storage container, replace lid quickly.

  • Keep brittle away from moisture/humidity (do not store in refrigerator).

  • Use parchment paper or wax paper between layers of brittle to keep the pieces from sticking together.

adapted from scratchpantry.com