Breakfast YUM!

Breakfast is probably one of my favorite meals of the day . . . problem is, I don't like to eat right when I just wait up, so breakfast always becomes more of a brunch. Everyone knows how to make bacon and eggs, so we won't go there. Today's focus is on hash browns - so get out your potatoes and your shredder and let's go!

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
  
• 1 medium onion, grated
  
• 5 scrubbed large potatoes (parboiled for about 12 minutes)
  
• 2 cloves of garlic diced fine
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chili powder
  

Let's talk about the potatoes first, After you parboil for about 12 minutes, let them cool. Some people like to peel the potatoes prior to frying - I'm good either way, skin on or off. For shredding, I use a hand shredder - an old fashioned tower of terror, handle on the top and frightening little blades running down two sides. Shred the potatoes and put aside. Then do the same with the onion and garlic cloves and place aside separately.

In a large non-stick or cast iron frying pan, coat bottom with a layer coat of olive oil. Heat over medium-high temperature for 2-3 minutes and add the shredded onion garlic mix. Quickly saute for a minute or two - just enough that you start to get the fragrance of onion and garlic. Place the shredded potatoes in, stir together, sprinkle with salt, pepper and chili powder, and then 'form' the mixture into a large circle (or square if you are cooking in a square pan, one cannot assume all pans are created equal) in the pan. using a spatula or spoon to push together. Lower the heat to a low-medium and allow to brown on one side.

After around 5-7 minutes, lift up the corner of the hash browns and take a peek at the color. Should be a light golden brown. Now you want to flip the 'tators. I find it easiest to use two spatulas - on on each side and turn over carefully. My husband is a big showoff and literally does the flip the pan in the air and the potatoes fly into the air and turn themselves perfectly. I tried this once . . . and do not recommend it at all. . . potatoes everywhere, and I mean everywhere!

Once the potatoes are flipped, brown on the other side and serve. Serve them with anything your little heart desires . . . eggs, bacon, sausage - hell, it simply doesn't matter!! Have fun with it, but most of all, enjoy!