CRUSHED HOT POTATOES

This has become one of our new favorite ways to make potatoes. They have so much more flavor than a regular baked potato. And if the fancy strikes you, you can plop a dollop of sour cream in the middle of them when they are done, or even a spoon of Ranch dressing. Or you could make them "loaded" crushed hot potatoes by topping them with cheese, bacon and sour cream. They are perfectly fine just plain though. My compliments to the Pioneer Woman for this one!


CRUSHED HOT POTATOES

Potatoes (as many as you need to feed your gang - 1 each usually)
Olive Oil
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Fresh herbs (your favorite)


Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make, and cook them until they’re fork-tender.
Next, generously drizzle olive oil on a sheet pan. This will mean the difference between the potatoes sticking and not sticking. When the potatoes are tender, place them on the cookie sheet. Give them plenty of room to spread out. Next, grab your potato masher and gently press down on the potato until it slightly mashes.
Then rotate the masher 90 degrees and finish flattening it. Of course, you don’t want to absolutely smash it into the pan—you want it almost to resemble a cookie. Repeat until all are flattened. And really, I don’t know why you couldn’t use the bottom of a glass for this step if you don’t have a potato masher. The surface might not be as textured and interesting, but I think it still might work. Next, brush the tops rather generously with olive oil. Next, grab some Kosher salt. You can use regular salt, but I’d really recommend using kosher. It adheres to the potatoes more easily and really flavors them nicely without getting too salty.
Remember: potatoes need salt. Don’t skimp! Be as generous with fresh ground black pepper. Now, you can grab some chives, or thyme, or whatever herbs you have available. Whatever herb you use, just chop it pretty finely and sprinkle over the top. Now throw them onto the top rack of a very hot (450-degree) oven, and cook them for 20-25 minutes… .Or until they're golden and crispy and sizzling.