Roasted Garlic Potato Cakes

So what am I going to do with the roasted garlic I made in the last post? How about transforming some left over mashed potatoes into a wonderful treat, Roasted Garlic Potato Cakes.

 It's so nice to be able to take something you never know what to do with -like a few big spoonfuls of left over mashed potatoes- and turn it into a whole new tasty side dish!

Roasted Garlic Potato Cakes
2 C mashed potatoes
6-8 cloves roasted garlic
1 egg
1/4 C flour
S&P to taste
Olive oil for frying

1. Preheat skillet or griddle to medium.
2. Mash garlic in bowl large enough for all ingredients.
3. Add egg and beat well.
4. Add everything else and mix well.
5. Drizzle olive oil onto skillet/griddle, I prefer non-stick for this.
6. Drop spoonfuls of potato mixture onto skillet/griddle, leaving enough room between each one so it can be flattened out a bit with the spoon. You'll want them a touch thicker than 1/4".
7. Fry until nicely browned, approximately 5-7 minutes for each side.
8. Serve with sour cream and chives-optional.

Notes:

• The potato mixture should be thick enough that it sticks together, not runny like pancake batter. Add a little more flour if you have to.
• You'll probably have to fry it in two batches, place the bowl of potatoes in the fridge while the first batch cooks, it's easier to work with cold.
• You can change this up by simply using different flavored salts. Smoked, mushroom and chipotle sound good to me, and your favorite seasoned salt would always be welcome.
• Frying them in bacon fat would be another idea.
• Don't hesitate to add grated onion or chopped chives to the potatoes. I wanted the roasted garlic to be the dominate flavor so I left the onion out.
• These potato cakes can be a little fragile, so be decisive when it comes time to turn them over. You want to get the spatula under them completely and turn them quickly. 
• The browner you make them, the crispier and more flavorful they get.
• As I went out to snip some chives the rosemary caught my eye... That would be a wonderful addition, Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Potato Cakes-well now, doesn't that sound fancy!
• This can easily be cut in half for one or two people, just estimate the egg.
• Another idea for the roasted garlic is Creamy Vegetable Soup.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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