how to: perfect roasted potatoes in half the time

I have this serious love-hate relationship with potatoes. First (and most importantly) they are delicious. Second, (and most annoying) is that they take forever to cook. If you're baking or roasting them, easily an hour. That being said, if you haven't gathered already, I am not interested in spending over an hour on dinner, unless, of course, it's a special occasion (i.e. beef wellington's for Frank on Valentine's Day). The quickest solution I've found, to the most perfectly crisp and yummy roasted potatoes, is your microwave. Trust me on this one - it'll cut your roasting time down by half.

It's as simple as this: I like to cut up my potatoes into whatever size I need (or leaving them whole if doing a baked potato) Throw them into a bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Regardless really of the quantity of potatoes, microwave on high for about 5 minutes. It'll get them to be just a little soft, but not cooked. While these are cooking in the microwave, pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees.

We don't stop there by just microwaving them - because that certainly is boring. Once they've come out of the microwave I pour the potatoes out onto a baking sheet. Normally there is enough olive oil from my first drizzle that I don't need to add more, but do so if you feel like you need it. I keep my seasonings pretty easy: salt, pepper, oregano, minced onion and garlic powder. That's it. Roast away, for about 15 minutes before giving it a quick shake and flip, and putting back into the oven for another 10-15 for your preferred crispness.

Half the time, more delicious, you'll thank me later.

How to: Perfect Roasted Potatoes in Half the Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20-30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound of potatoes, diced, sliced, or whole

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon minced onion 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Wash and dice your potatoes to desired size. Place in microwave safe bowl. Drizzle with olive oil.

3. Microwave on high for 5 minutes.

4. Remove from microwave and pour onto baking pan. Sprinkle with seasonings.

5. Place in oven for 15 minutes - remove and shake and flip. Place back in over for another 10-15 for desired crispness.

xx

Rita