Winter Potato Hash

So about a week ago I went on a rant about how how some folks choose to cook with ingredients out of season. If you seriously desire some mangos or pineapple during the winter months, why not purchase a canned or frozen product? Often fruit that is frozen was done so when it was in its peak season anyway.

There are so many beautiful vegetables that come into prominence during these cold days, and we should take advantage of them! So with my mind still buzzing over my own internal debate, I set out and actually created this beautiful tasting breakfast. This is only a sample of how winter vegetables can be used to create a dish that is healthy and delicious at the same time. I used a green pepper as well for some added flavour, and while not seasonal, it was grown in Canada.

So far this year has been all about food activism for me. When  started to blog, I had the thought that cooking my own food would lead to healthier meals and an actual interest in the ingredients being used. I believe that I have accomplished that, but this year it has continued to grow beyond my own knowledge. The manipulation of the masses by food companies and marketing groups to purchase bad food really surprised me! A friend of mine was eating Cheezies today, and the bag marketed it as made with REAL Cheddar cheese! I was surprised, so I borrowed the bag to look at the ingredients. In fact, it was made with processed aged cheddar cheese seasoning. What is that? Thinking back on that, I remembered that Costco also has "Vegetable fries" that have the same ploy. Made with REAL vegetables really means using dehydrated spinach, tomato and cheese seasoning. I'm sure you can guess the health value involved, but the trick...is that people actually fall for it.

Watching documentaries such as The End of the Line, Supersize Me, and Food Inc. have all revealed interesting and new parts of food industries that I had no idea about. Watching Jamie Olivier have his TED talk (http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/jamie_oliver.html) also fascinated me. More people expect that vegetables grow in the back of grocery stores and meat is really created in its packed state.

Sigh, I really wasn't planning on ranting again, but it's definitely something that I have become more and more interested in. If you really have no idea what I'm talking about... perhaps you should start looking into it!


Potato Hash

Potatoes - I used 3 small red potatoes, cut into small cubes (think hashbrowns)

Butter - 1 tbsp
Leeks - 1, sliced
Carrot -1, sliced
Green Pepper - 1, diced
Salt and Pepper - a healthy pinch

Eggs - 2, hard boiled (If you can't remember how to make them, you can click Hard Boiled Eggs

After cutting the potatoes, place them on paper towel and give them a squeeze inside. You want to pull the moisture out of the potatoes so they don't get soggy whilst cooking.

Melt the butter in a medium sized skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook for a few minutes, season with salt and pepper. Add the other veggies and give it a toss. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and everything is nice and crispy.

Serve with the hard boiled eggs. A dash of hot sauce and some ketchup doesn't hurt either! Enjoy!