Sorry for the brief hiatus everyone!  Sometimes “me” time is needed to reset the practice of daily life. Practicing the lifestyle and philosophies I emulate on social media is as important as sharing the things I love with you.  

Exciting things have been brewing and soon I will be sharing much of what has been going on behind the scenes. Earlier this month I mentioned getting back to basics and on Instagram, I touched on this with my post of a simple potato.

We forget how much just the simple things in life can nourish not only the body but also the spirit.  The potato has an interesting history. The potato was first known to be domesticated in the region of modern-day southern Peru and extreme northwestern Bolivia between 8000 and 5000 BC. It has since spread around the world and become a staple crop in many countries. I find this interesting because if you think this, it is crazy to ponder how many humans have actually eaten potatoes over the centuries.  A truly sustainable plant of the ages.

Potatoes available to us these days offer so much variety I encourage you to get cooking and get creative.

DID YOU KNOW? Potatoes are naturally gluten-free and they’re packed with nutritional benefits needed for a healthy lifestyle. Potatoes are one of the world’s most versatile vegetables. Foundational in a wide range of international and all-American cuisine, potatoes are the perfect blank canvas for a variety of flavors. This is welcome news when your good health depends on eating a gluten-free diet.

An ideal substitution for some of your favorite bread, grain and pasta-based dishes, potatoes add a boost of nutritional benefits. Important to a healthy diet, one medium-sized (5.3oz) skin-on potato has:

• Just 110 calories
• No fat, sodium or cholesterol
• Nearly half your daily value of vitamin C
• More potassium than a banana
• A good source of vitamin B6
• Fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants
• Resistant Starch

Here is a recent favorite recipe my family and I have been enjoying in recent weeks. It is great alone or as a snack with a white bean dip or guacamole side.

Dill Baked Potatoes

Ingredients list

• 3 Large Idaho Potatoes
• 2 tablespoons of Fresh Dill
• 1 tablespoon of Sea salt
• 3-4 tablespoons of EVO

Pre-Heat oven to 350 degrees

Line a large baking sheet with a silicone liner like siltpat or use parchment paper to line the bottom.

Instructions

1. Wash potatoes and thick slice with a mandolin
2. Toss potatoes in EVO and take care to coat them completely
3. Salt and toss with Dill
4. Lay flat on baking sheet, leave some space as you will be turning these over to crisp all sides
5. Put in oven and let bake for 15 minutes, then turn over slices and bake for another 15 minutes

You will want to watch them on the last 15 minutes as all ovens vary and depending on how crispy you would like them to be.  Sometimes, I mix it up and throw a little cajun spice on these to change the flavor profile. #protip depending on the size of the potatoes you get adjust the oil amount.  You do not want them dripping in oil as they will never crisp.

Enjoy!  Cheers to your good health.

Coleen