Quick Fix - Every Occasion, Smashed Potatoes p 59

[Nikkit]

Smashed Potatoes - YUM!
A big hit here in this house, we loved them.

I used the macadamia oil instead of duck fat. (Only because I couldn't go out and knock off a wild duck in the paddock just for its fatty bits ... just kidding! Boring reason... I didn't have any duck fat.)

Use a good smoked paprika too, I have a Spanish  tin of "Pimenton Periquin" It smells and tastes divine.

I used older spuds - ruby lou's I think they were. I did overcook them a bit and when I put them in to mix at stage 5, I got carried away with the aromas and over did it, so they were a bit more mashed than coated in the good stuff, so I spread it onto a baking tray and cooked it. 

I'll cut the salt down to 1 teaspoon next time.

Definitely going to make them again.

[cookie1]

After reading this I had to try them tonight too. I ended up with some of mine mashed too. I didn't use duck fat as it was too far to go and help Nikkit catch a duck. I used EVOO.
Next time I will reduce the chilli flakes a tiny bit and not smash them as much.
Delicious flavour.
5/5

[CreamPuff63]

Duck fat was in the meat section at my C*les

[Nikkit]

I darn near got that duck this morning Cookie - 2 lovely fat mountain ducks waddling across the road. I missed them - just. Would have given you a call - you could come up and help me pluck them!

Kids wanted the smashed spuds again last night - I think they'll be a regular on the menu!

[cookie1]

I had lots of practise plucking ducks as I grew up. 

[Nikkit]

Don't say that quickly after you've had a drink or 2!

Cookie We had roosters, and would kill and dress 30-40 at a time. Even with 5000 acres I could never hide when that job came round. My Dad on the other hand could disappear into thin air. Never did find out where he hid.

This is bringing back memories Cookie!...I remember my Pop being there helping once and I was at the gutting table and pulled out the roosters testicles. As only a child could do, dangling them in front of  him I piped up with "hey Pop, get a look at the balls on this one!"
Well my Pop was the biggest prude you had ever met and had not one clue on how to handle a 10 year old girl that was engrossed with roosters balls, he went a rather fetching shade of red, a little cross eyed, was coughing and spluttering and was looking at Mum for a bit of help. She was killing herself laughing and couldn't string 2 words together. I was wondering what all the fuss was about! It took a while before Mum could pull herself together and took me aside and explained that delicate matters such as these were best not discussed in front of my Pop.

I figured he was a bit of a spoil sport in that department, and from then on tried my very best to find the naughtiest things to show him. It kept him on his toes as he never knew what I was going to come out with next, and he never did have a good answer for me when I subjected him to anything like that again. 

We also had turkeys and the night before we were to kill 20 or so of them and sell them for Christmas, a fox got in and killed the lot. Mum was not impressed to say the least. Dad didn't disappear that time - he had to dig a hole with the front end loader and bury them all.

Ooops, sorry - this thread is meant to be about potatoes!

[CreamPuff63]

ha you rat bag nikkit  great little stories

[Ekusumo]

I was racking my brain on where I can get duck fat for this dish. I'm glad to hear it's still delicious with other oils!

[cookie1]

Phew that was a lot to kill at once. We only ever did about 6 or so. I never ran off as if I helped I was allowed to help clean the guts out and teased my younger  brothers  with the entrails.

To stay on topic, we have smashed potatoes again tonight.

[Katiej]

We had these tonight for dinner, along with turkey meatballs.

I will confess I used duck fat.  Naughty but delicious!
I reduced the garlic and salt by half. I was careful to not over-smash them after reading the previous reviews.

They were lovely and we both enjoyed them.

[judydawn]

They look perfect Katie, did you reduce the 'smashing' time?

[Katiej]

Yes Judy, I did 3 seconds instead of 5 seconds for the last step.
I did have some little bits, but more smashed than mashed.

[Cornish Cream]

I never seen duck fat forsale in the supermarket here but I can buy goosefat

[cookie1]

Katie they look delicious. I'm sure it was the duck fat. I had roasted veggies in duck fat when we went up to the station last year. It really makes the food lovely and crisp.

[Wonder]

we have started using duck fat since buying this book and both the kids are hooked and now ask if ive used duck fat every time i do roast vegetables. i think it will become a regular here.