Although Valentine’s Day was yesterday and it was probably- for many- quite unusual since it was the first we’ve had to navigate through since this pandemic started (things were still open and functioning normally around this time last year!) I thought it’d be fun to share a really great recipe for anyone who may have had to postpone or cancel their dinner plans for whatever reason- and who might be looking for something delicious they can prepare for their loved one or even prepare with them as a fun, culinary challenge and/or date night activity.
And if you’re not partnered up- don’t even worry about it. This recipe is just as easy to whip up solo and tastes just as good as it would if you were sharing it. I promise.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
4-6 SERVINGS:
- Neutral oil, as needed for frying
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped chives
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup crème fraiche
- 12 slices smoked salmon
- Chopped chives, for serving
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, parmesan cheese, chives and egg together. Stir in ¼ cup of the flour and season with black pepper.
3. Place the remaining ½ cup flour in a shallow dish. Divide the potato mixture into 12 even portions, and shape into flat rounds about ½-inch thick.
4. Dredge each potato pancake in flour, shaking off the excess. Working in batches, fry the pancakes in the hot oil (you might need to reduce heat to low once the oil gets hot) until golden brown on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate and if desired, season the outside lightly with salt and pepper.
6. Serve pancakes with the crème fraiche, smoked salmon and garnished with the additional chopped chives.
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You can serve this with a side of vegetables or pasta if you’re really looking to go above and beyond for yourself or your significant other- but I kept it simple when I prepared a batch of these pre-annual viewing of “The Notebook” (as is tradition!) followed by a very long, very soothing bubble bath and long overdue exfoliating treatment.
And the great thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day for you to enjoy it. These are perfect- and SO delicious- year-round!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 