Tag #PotatoPerfection

NATIONAL TATER TOT DAY

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On February 2nd, National Tater Tot Day recognizes a kitchen staple. In the United States, we consume approximately 3.5 billion of these nuggets of potato goodness per year.

These bite-sized bits of golden deliciousness created from the scraps from making French fries once were used to feed cattle. But how do the cast-offs from making French fries become the bite-sized, kitchen-friendly morsels we love to devour today? Through persistence and ingenuity, of course!

Two brothers, Nephi and Golden Grigg, along with their brother-in-law started dabbling in frozen food when they rented a plant on the Oregon and Idaho borders in 1934. The focused on making French fries, but the waste fed to cattle seemed excessive. Was there a way to reduce the excess? Maybe, but instead they chose to create a product from the excess. Not only did the scrapped and shredded bits form into tasty bites when blanched and fried, but they also fit into their product line, too. They froze well, could be baked and were delicious! By 1952, they purchased the plant, forming the Oregon Frozen Foods Company that would later become Ore-Ida.

Seasoned with spices or baked into a casserole, tater tots make a meal, side dish, or a snack celebration. We dip them, pop them, or just savor them.

NATIONAL TATER TOT DAY HISTORY

John-Bryan Hopkins created the observance in 2009.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTaterTotDay

What’s your favorite way to enjoy tater tots? We offer a variety of ideas to celebrate the day.

  • Add them to a burrito
  • Make a potato version of nachos by adding your favorite toppings to partially cooked tots and then heating through.
  • Create a tater tot buffet with a variety of dips and seasonings.
  • Add tater tots to your burger.
  • Top a homemade pizza with tater tots.
  • Tater tots and eggs go well together.
  • Build a kabab using vegetables and marinated meat.

Share your recipes and pictures by using #NationalTaterTotDay on social media.

National Tater Tot Day February 2 For Potatoes Lover Food Zip Hoodie#NationalTaterTotDay
National Tater Tot Day February 2 For Potatoes Lover Food Zip Hoodie
McCormick Potato Topping Seasoning, Flavor Maker, 5.2 oz #NationalTaterTotDay
McCormick Potato Topping Seasoning, Flavor Maker, 5.2 oz
Organicville - Organic Ketchup - 24 oz.#NationalTaterTotDay
Organicville – Organic Ketchup – 24 oz.
Heinz Tomato Ketchup #NationalTaterTotDay
Heinz Tomato Ketchup

NATIONAL COOK A SWEET POTATO DAY

Jensperspectiveblog

Across the United States, National Cook A Sweet Potato Day on February 22nd celebrates a root vegetable packed with flavor and a bit of history, too. The sweet potato is eaten and loved, each day, by millions of people across the nation.

Either Central America or South America is thought to be the center of origin and domestication of sweet potatoes. In Central America, sweet potatoes were domesticated at least 5,000 years ago. Peruvian sweet potato remnants dating as far back as 8,000 BC have been found in South America. 

The sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports good vision, the immune system, and bone growth. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin B-6, magnesium, and vitamin C.  It’s also great for the complexion.

The Sweet Potato Lover's Cookbook: More than 100 ways to enjoy one of the world's healthiest foods#CookASweetPotatoDay
The Sweet Potato Lover’s Cookbook: More than 100 ways to enjoy one of the world’s healthiest foods
The Sweet Potato Cookbook#CookASweetPotatoDay
The Sweet Potato Cookbook
Sweet Potato Love: 60 Recipes for Every Season#CookASweetPotatoDay
Sweet Potato Love: 60 Recipes for Every Season
Easy Sweet Potato and Yam Cookbook: 50 Delicious Sweet Potato and Yam Recipes#CookASweetPotatoDay
Easy Sweet Potato and Yam Cookbook: 50 Delicious Sweet Potato and Yam Recipes

While many Americans confuse the sweet potato with a yam, the two are different. A yam is a starchy tuber while the sweet potato is truly a sweet root vegetable. The sweet potato also comes in a variety of sizes and colors, including pale to bright orange, white and purple. High in fiber and low in fat and calories, this root vegetable is a healthful alternative to snack foods when prepared without added butter, sugar or salt.

Unlike other potatoes, sweet potatoes like long, hot growing seasons. This might explain why it is the state vegetable of North Carolina.  

When storing your sweet potatoes, keep them in a cool, dry place. However, don’t refrigerate them unless they’re cooked. Refrigeration will give them a bitter taste, ruining their sweet flavor. Cooks find numerous ways to experiment with sweet potatoes, too! 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #CookASweetPotatoDay

No matter how you cook a sweet potato, be sure to invite someone to share it with you. What’s your favorite meal of the day? Then make a sweet potato dish! Breakfast, lunch, supper or dessert call for sweet potatoes in some form. While you’re celebrating, share your favorite dishes with us. We even have a few for you to try:

Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole
Louisiana Sweet Potato PancakesSweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan ToppingSweet Potato Cake

Use #CookASweetPotatoDay to post on social media.

Sweet Potatoes (8 lb.)#CookASweetPotatoDay
Sweet Potatoes (8 lb.)
Japanese Purple Sweet Potato (1 LB)Excellent yields and flavor. Stores well.#CookASweetPotatoDay
Japanese Purple Sweet Potato (1 LB)Excellent yields and flavor. Stores well.
Jackson's Honest Sweet Potato Chips Made with Coconut Oil#CookASweetPotatoDay
Jackson’s Honest Sweet Potato Chips Made with Coconut Oil
RW GARCIA Organic Sweet Potato Crackers#CookASweetPotatoDay
RW GARCIA Organic Sweet Potato Crackers