Charred Shishito Peppers

Have you seen Shishito Peppers at the market yet? They’re a very interesting variety of pepper. They have a very thin skin and, when charred, they develop a lovely smokey flavor. Every time I purchase them, someone stops to ask me if they’re spicy. The answer, for the most part, is no. I will say though, about 1 out of every 10 or so is a bit spicy, but I think it’s a moderate level of spice. Char a bunch of whole shishito peppers for your next gathering and serve them family style right out of the skillet. The stem end can be used as a handle - just open your mouth bite the pepper off the stem.

Charred Shishito Peppers

makes as many as you like

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• whole Shishito peppers, washed

• olive oil

• flaked salt

Directions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon or two of cooking oil.

2. Add the whole peppers and allow to skin to brown and char all over, tossing frequently.

3. Remove from heat and sprinkle well with flaked salt. Enjoy!

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