Thankfully we have moved beyond the old washing tub but WCH has a variety of sizes if you need one
Doing the laundry can be a thankless task, especially when you are raising a family… leaving you in a bit of a daze. The laundry can pile up quickly if it is neglected. Then the questions begin…MOM… where is my favorite shirt ??? 😳 Have you ever been there?
A new WCH favorite t-shirt, now available in store!
I’m going to “lighten the load” a bit with this childhood memory. The Brady Bunch was an all time favorite show of mine growing up. Bobby, one of the youngest Brady children. In this laundry based episode, Bobby got his suit covered in mud, extremely dirty, and decided to wash it before his mom and Alice got home from shopping hoping to prevent the discussion he didn’t want to have with Mom.
Muddy clothes… ugh
Bobby put the dirty suit into the washing machine, then began to pour in the SAFE washing powder out of the box into the washer. He stopped momentarily, only to pause the flow of washing powders, then decided he needed the whole box😬. He sets the washing machine, and walks away. He cleans himself up, changes clothes, begins his homework. I think you know where this is going laundry wizards.
When Bobby returns downstairs, the laundry suds have already made it to the kitchen door. He enters the laundry room, and the suds are above his head, filling up the entire laundry room. Carol and Alice come home to find Bobby covered in suds!
Pick up your favorite laundry suds at WCH!!
Doing the laundry can be a monotonous task, and sometimes I might even feel like Bobby… washed away with suds. As I’m writing this blog post, I have one load washing, one load waiting in the laundry basket to be folded and put away, and two more loads sorted and waiting to go in after the first load finishes up 🤪.
One might would say the most glorious thing about finishing the laundry is the actual 5 seconds that the laundry baskets are actually empty! I feel that one! Yes, once the day comes to an end, the dirty clothes are back…. Leaving me to feel like surely there HAS to be more people living here that I don’t know about because 3 people surely can’t create this much laundry! 🤨
I will admit that the winter months are harder. The extra layers of clothing needed for warmth can make doing the laundry a more daunting task each week and one might think about “throwing in the towel”. But yes, that would create more laundry, right???
So the Question of the Day, is how to be efficient and productive with this ongoing, never ending cycle of laundry? 🧺 🧺🧺🧺🧺🧺🧺🧺🧺🧺🧺🧺🧺🧺🧺
Do you do laundry everyday or just a few times a week? I have found that if I try to do a bit of laundry each day, my “load” is lighter. If I wait a day or two into the week, the laundry seems to never get finished! Ugh!
Working in Laundry Room: A Few Things To Consider
Always available at WCH for purchase!!
Set up and have an organized, useable space to work. Don’t forget to Clean your laundry space… wipe down your machines, and laundry baskets! Use Lysol spray to disinfect your fabric baskets. Cleaning the laundry room is more than mopping the floor. The Laundry Room is often a high touch area in your home, just like your kitchen appliances are and frequently used technology items!
Lysol and Clorox wipes are available at WCH, easy cleaning tools for your laundry room tasks
2. Include an area for air drying clothes OR to hang clothes as they come out of dryer. I have found that if I hang up clothes as they come out of the dryer, laundry is a much easier task even if I wait until later to bring them up to the closets. And the side benefit, less ironing!
3. Do you have a system to deal with Lost socks and coins? Some people tuck socks into a mesh bag, others throw the lost socks into a basket to try to reunite them later… coins??? That’s an easy fix, use a mason jar or even a cute little basket holder to catch those odd ball things that fly out of pockets unknown to you!
A cute woven basket can add a pop of color to your laundry space, to catch those coins… available at WCH
4. Keep dryer vents clean and clear… keep a small laundry trash can handy for disposal of laundry lint. Your dryer hose should be cleaned out regularly!
Use a small galvanized metal bucket or a basket to catch those lost socks, or even a small plastic bucket… easy to carry around and doesn’t take up lots of spaceClean out your dryer lint after each cycle. A deep clean of your vent system should be done at least twice a year.
5. Leave the washer door open once you finish laundry for the day. This will help with odors and mildew buildup.
At the end of each washing day, I open my washer door and the detergent bin to reduce odors.
6. Lastly, set up a laundry system that every single person in your household can easily understand and use in your absence, especially if you are the main laundry guru. For example, everyone has a separate basket/bin to put away their own clothes, or each family member knows how to sort, use washer and dryer, and deal with laundry once if it finished in the dryer.
How to prevent a “washed out mess” in the Laundry Room:
Sort clothes by colors.
Read your labels and set your washing cycle accordingly.
Only fill washer 3/4 full so detergent can work efficiently. Also speaking of efficiency, Be mindful of how much detergent you use. If using a liquid detergent the recommended line on bottle cap is probably too much if load washing isn’t really dirty, or heavily soiled laundry.
Less plastics in laundry cycle! Try these laundry detergent cubes now available at WCH
4. Keep laundry supplies well stocked… laundry detergent, Oxygenated cleaner, and a good enzyme spray like a pre-treatment cleaner. I also keep Dawn detergent in my laundry room for oil based grease stains… I often deal with those type of stains fairly regularly in our household. Did you know that Wilkes County Hardware can keep you stocked on your laundry room essentials???
5. Pretreat stains prior to going in washer. Dawn detergent works well on grease or oily stains. Most Food stains can usually be removed by using an all purpose stain remover that is enzyme based. Dirt stains… borax, baking soda, Oxy, or washing powders can be helpful.
6. Wash and dry laundry with the actual weight of clothes in mind. For example, Towels and blue jeans are much heavier and will require more drying time. It is probably best not to wash these together. Spread the love… do two separate loads of these items! Lighter weight clothes should dry faster so you might want to consider a short, time dry cycle and take those out first as the heavier weight items continue to dry.
7. Make sure you have a system that works for your family when it comes to checking pockets. I personally don’t check pockets prior to doing laundry unless I hear the jingle going into the washer😳😬 We are all responsible for checking and cleaning out our own pockets in the Searcy household. But I’ll admit, sometimes I do find things like nuts, bolts, coins, box cutters, pocket knives, etc. The absolute worst, a Sharpie marker or pen!!! Ugh!!! No one wants to have clothes ruined by these!!! I’m speaking from my own personal experience!!
8. Have a laundry system in place that whole family can live by and understand!!! Everyone pitches in to help with the laundry here at our house. As it comes out of the dryer, we hang up clothes that need it. Socks, towels can be dumped into the laundry basket. Some families use a bin system for each person so they can put away their own clothes. The point is to get everyone involved because every family member has a vested interest in their own laundry!
9. Use dryer balls to reduce drying time. Another quick hack is to use an older dry bath towel and throw it into the dryer so clothes will dry faster.
Now available at WCH
My laundry day wish for you… hoping that it “all comes out in the wash” soon so you can enjoy those few beautiful moments when it’s all done! And remember, Wilkes County Hardware is here to help you when you are feeling all washed up and ready for a bit of laundry day success. 🧺
I’ve been attempting to learn how to play Mahjong. This tile game has been around for many years and has become extremely popular recently. When the opportunity to learn to play came my way, I decided to try my hand at this tile game, and laughing with good friends an extra healthy benefit ☺️.
Sometimes in the middle the midst of a game, I can sense that the tiles I need to complete my hand are not coming to me. It’s time to pivot. When playing Mahjong, hopefully this insight comes earlier in the game than later… Is there potentially another hand that I can easily switch to… making a swap for success???
Mahjong Tiles on the mat before the game begins!
Recently, I was talking with another cancer patient, who is also a good friend and it’s worth mentioning that I have relied on his own personal experiences with cancer as my own cancer health journey has unfolded. Carl and I often discuss the “good foods” for cancer patients, and discuss the research behind it. Carl said something very insightful in a recent conversation. Looking back, I’m not even really sure what foods we were discussing at that time, but what he said definitely stuck with me. What Carl basically said that totally describes the evolution of how cancer has impacted my food choices… it is the simple swaps that creates the lasting change, adding them in slowly over time.
In reflection of that conversation,have been just that! Cancer has brought about the time to pivot… just like my Mahjong game analogy!
My dietary switches haven’t been a sprint to the finish line but a slow, steady pace of change, with the focus on nutrient rich foods to fuel my body through this cancer journey. I’m very thankful for dear friends who have been down this path of healthy eating during treatment and yes, even after active treatment, who have been able to guide me through this new way of eating. Thank you fellow cancer survivors and friends… your support means the world to me!
Food plays a key role in prevention…“you are what you eat”, as the old saying goes … it is true! Our overall dietary choices impacts inflammation, metabolism, and yes, future disease risk. Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer has definitely changed what I consume. The nutritional needs of a cancer patient focuses on the maintenance of muscle mass, while combining healthy eating as well as boosting the immune system. In order for all that to happen, simple swaps have been necessary for better health.
Instead of potato chips I have made purple sweet potato chips!!! A fun little swap
Breast Cancer patients need a good portion of protein each day (90 grams). Please keep in mind, these recommendations are for women… men your recommendations may look slightly different! Good sources of Lean animal proteins… chicken and fish, eggs, and whole grains. Beans/legumes are all good sources of protein. I’ve been experimenting with lentils recently as a new additional swap. I recently made a lentil casserole… lentils, mushrooms, and veggies. We enjoyed it!
My cancer dietician used the analogy of imagining a deck of cards as a guide for protein on your plate. That “deck of cards of protein” on your plate would be equivalent to around 28 grams.
Chicken is a dietary staple. I was struggling to figure out how to boost my remaining white rice in my pantry to add more nutritional value… added frozen veggies and saffron and it was a definite improvement!!!
According to the cancer dietary guidelines, some Proteins need limiting…red meat! Ugh!!! Red meat lovers… this one is hard! Red meat consumption (18 ounces week) and another suggestion…eliminating processed meats (sandwich meats, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, pepperoni, etc)!!! That’s right… BACON!!!😬
Why??? Processed meats are considered a class 1 carcinogens. These types of meats include chemicals that can increase risk of developing certain types of cancer like colon cancerand other cancers. More research is ongoing but it is definitely worth noting this.
Based on my research, and discussions with my cancer dietitian… I am trying to make half of each meal fruits or vegetables. Vegetables are a powerful source of not only fiber but nutrients needed in the body. The goal is to have at least 25g of fiber and LESS than 25g of sugar a day. Folks, that’s not a lot of sugar… bye, bye dessert! 😳
Cruciferous vegetables are fantastic for cancer patients… broccoli, cauliflower, red cabbage, Brussel sprouts
As a result of these new switches over time, I have begun to decrease my carb intake since last November. Pasta is pretty much a thing of the past for me and I don’t miss it. It is also worth noting, Carbohydrates and sugar are important in maintaining a healthy diet and I haven’t totally ignored them.
Instead of pasta… I have moved to a full plate of steamed vegetables with some spaghetti sauce. It is absolutely one of my favorite switches!!
Let’s move onto the elephant in the room… Sugar. Sugar is found in two forms.. natural sugars and added sugars(processed sugars).Natural sugars are the way to go! Natural sugars that are found in whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, milk, vegetables and grains…these are considered complex carbohydrates.
Breakfast fruits (natural sugars) with Low sugar Yogurt gives me a punch of protein too!
The body processes complex carbohydrates more efficiently and slowly. It is more work for your body to digest complex carbohydrates than digesting simple sugars. Processing simple sugars can create spikes of glucose in your body. Complex carbohydrates contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals in addition to natural sugars. All of these nutrients are important to overall energy, health and immunity.
So here’s the kicker for cancer patients… Every cell in the body requires glucose for fuel, including cancer cells, AND glucose also feeds the cells in the rest of the body. We cannot pick and choose which cells get what nutrients/fuel… the phrase sugar feeds cancer cells is somewhat true!
The fact is that all cells, including cancer cells, need sugar in the form of glucose to generate energy. All Cells use glucose the way cars use gas for fuel. Normal cells use a reasonable amount of gas, but cancer cells are like gas guzzlers! 😳
Cancer cells are like cars with the accelerator stuck to the floor, using glucose at higher rates because they are dividing at much faster rates than normal cells.
Cancer cells definitely don’t use a speed limit!!! 😬
What is absolutely amazing… dietary switches and changes can limit that gas guzzler impact!!! If those changes or swaps aren’t made, diets in high in added sugars and ultra-processed foods can continue to increase inflammation over time. Chronic inflammation isn’t great for overall health.. which can lead to a weakened immune system…opening the door for other diseases or yes, maybe even a cancer reoccurrence!!! No way!!! , I definitely don’t want that, so the switch is on!
Veggie Quesadillas!!
All this being said about the necessity of cancer nutrition, I’m not depriving myself of a special treat every now and then. I definitely will enjoy a side of French fries or tots with a meal every-once-in -a whileor my favorite comfortfood. AND it worth saying, that Eating out can be a challenge. My overall palate has begun to change and I physically need more vegetables and fruits to balance out my diet, that can be hard to find at certain places.
Stuffed flounder with crab and shrimp on a bed of hash browns… a little treat with lots of good stuff still on the plate… spinach included!
Making switches in my diet has been an ongoing learning process… eating and shopping for great cancer fighting foods. I grocery shop now by turning labels over before I buy. It will stay on the shelf if the sugar content is too high or nutrient value is too low. It has been a journey to find new products and recipes that will fit this lifestyle change, permanently. Has my grocery shopping list changed? Absolutely! Am I spending more money??? Ummm… probably not. My swaps have changed in the nature of what stays in my pantry and refrigerator, AND some things just aren’t worth the purchase anymore!
Have I actually shed a few pounds??? Possibly, but my overall activity level has dropped significantly due to surgery recovery, sickness, and now radiation treatments. My goal is to get back to “normal-ish” soon! Allowing my body to rest and recover has been a process for me, adjusting my cancer mindset.
Chicken tortilla soup loaded with beans has been a great addition to post radiation meals… during radiation, boosting protein intake is necessary
Living through Cancer has been a definite challenge. Taking things one day at a time, navigating through a myriad of research, eating with simple swaps, constant appointments, recovery, rest, and ultimately, the HOPE of NED (no evidence of disease).
HOPE… a simple reminder as I walk into the cancer center each visit 💕
Hope and faith is definitely important in the cancer journey mindset. Here’s something to consideras someone who has never been through the cancer journey and for the overall cancer mindset…Just because active cancer treatment ends (surgery, constant appointments, scans, chemotherapy, radiation) doesn’t mean the fight is over. The cancer fight never truly endsfor a cancer patient/survivor.
For those who have not been diagnosed or had a family member who faced cancer, here’s something worth mentioning… Often times cancer patients are faced with taking medications for several years following the active treatment schedule (ie: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) AND The Appointments still occur (whichmaybe less frequent), bloodwork, and scans are required years afterward.Cancer is always in the rear view mirror of your lifeas a cancer survivor. It’s just a different phase of the cancer journey.
Pink morning skies are extra special this March as I have begun Radiation Treatments
This is also my story. I will be on estrogen suppressant medication for 5 years after radiation therapy is completed this month. The side effects of these medications necessitates a healthy lifestyle. Using the dietary simple swaps, physical activity, and much more will be a long term lifestyle change not only for medication necessities, but in hopes to prevent a cancer reoccurrence.
Core Power protein shakes has been a great find!!! These a good boost when needed.
My ultimate hope for you is that YOU can use these simple switches and include them in your daily routine. I simply started out last November initially with increasing my own mindful awareness of my fruit and vegetable consumption… the first swap and step… slowly adding more swaps over the last 4 months. You too can do this for better health if that’s a goal for yourself and your family in 2026, beginning with one simple swap.
Salad loaded with spinach, red cabbage, broccoli, carrots and cauliflower, simple switch for my cancer healing journeyThank you for your continued prayers and please pray for other cancer patients who are walking this journey that you may not be aware of.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens.” —Ecclesiastes
The four seasons… Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter are all marked a significant changes in how we interact with the Earth. Each season is uniquely beautiful and transformative. The never ending cycle of nature adjusting to each distinctive season.
Daffodils are one of the first to bloom in Spring, bringing our landscape back into full color.
When the seasons begin to change, so do the needs of our loyal shoppers… each of the four seasons can bring a small shift of seasonal sales. Spring begins the lawn and garden season. Summer shopping is marked by a large demand of pool chemicals, and lawn and garden products.
Flowers are in abundance during the Summer season
Fall hardware store shopping centers around the demands of preparing for cooler weather, our customers are looking for stove pipe, wood stove maintenance products, rakes, and more!
Colorful Days of Fall
Winter, the cold months, our customers need kerosene heater maintenance, heating essentials, and Christmas gifts!!! Each of the four seasons keeps us busy with ongoing orders, and resets of seasonal supplies. We shift with each unique season.
Winter can bring cold temperatures and snow!
This reflection on the four unique seasons brought to mind the different “Seasons of Life”. We shift from season to season. I believe AGE is not necessarily a factor in these shifts in the different seasons of life.
The beauty of Fall Colors
I began to dwell on the changing of the seasons as we head into a new season, Winter.
Don’t we go through each of the four seasons as we age, possibly over and over again depending on the circumstances of your personal situation?? Hmmm… our lives are seasonal??? Can you imagine which season you are currently living through right now?
Spring… New Beginnings
Spring as a living season is full of renewal, change, new growth, and planting. This season is marked with new beginnings… like purchasing a new home, getting married, falling in love again, beginning a family, a new career, the list is long!!! Feeling of hope abounds in the Spring season.
Summer…Take A Risk and Splash In
Summer is a time of warmer days, time feels endless. The phase can bring more growth opportunities, whereas, harvesting your hard work from the Spring season. Taking risks becomes easier, pushing harder outside comfort zone. Motivation is key.
Fall.. Reflecting
Fall is a time to reflect. Reflection brings the opportunity to learn from mistakes, making plans for next phase, adjusting goals, noticing change, and simply enjoying the beauty around you, practicing gratitude for all things in your life.
Winter… Rest and Recharge
Winter brings rest. Winter is a time to recharge your batteries. If you are in the winter season, you might be experiencing sickness, or grief. With the “stillness” of the winter season, it can often bring clarity or wisdom (looking back and having peace) from earlier seasons previously journeyed through.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” —Ecclesiastes
Whatever season you find yourself in life’s journey, relish it. If you are currently feeling the depths of the winter season, spring will come.
Footnote: I often begin writing pieces for my blog months prior to publication.
This specific blog piece I began writing and processing prior to finding out about my diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer.
After reflecting on this blog piece, I’m currently in “winter”, looking forward to seeing “spring”.
Whatever season you find yourself in right now, please know that seasons change and each will not last forever. “When your heart is tired, and your spirit is worn, remember God is your rest. He will renew your strength and carry you through the storm.” Isaiah 40:29
From the last of the summer blooms to the changing of the leaves… Fall is Here! The Fall season brings apple and pumpkin season, gentle breezes and the solitary tune of the wind chimes. Fall hints at cooler temperatures, the changing of the sun cycle bringing less daylight creating a colorful change in nature through leaves turning and falling, crunching under foot. The vibrant colors that light the morning and evening skies… Autumn has arrived. As we head into the holiday season, here’s to celebrating Fall ONE last time.
Apples are in Season! Time for pumpkins!!
October Skies… Simply Amazing
Changing of the Leaves
Leafy Carpet Blown Away The Vibrancy of Fall Light filtering throughMajestic Colors Stumped Look Up and Enjoy the ViewA Sneak Peak of Fall In Full ColorAutumn’s Glory Fall Magic The Glory Days of Autumn Finding the Colors of Fall A Walk in the Woods Jethro is enjoying the Leaves everywhereWhere the Leaves Meet the Water Peaceful Retreat Fall Making a Splash Fall SerenityRainy Autumn Days Plentiful Acorns Abundance of Berries A Quiet Place
Thankful for the opportunity to enjoy another beautiful Fall season! 🍂🍁 Thank you for reading and sharing.
A basket of potatoes, prepped and ready to cook. What’s your favorite potato 🥔 recipe???
The Morning Drive
As I started my car and headed towards work, a conversation on a morning radio show ensued about all the ways in which a potato could be made and eaten… from baked, mashed, to French fries. On that ride into work that morning to the hardware store, I was pleasantly impressed with all of the phone-in callers who were discussing their favorite ways to make their favorite potato dish.
Which, in turn, got me to thinking about the topic itself… yes, the potato is a versatile ingredient.
The humble potato… so much can be done with the potato when it comes to meal prep. Sometimes the “rut” of meal preparation can be daunting and the same old foods are seemingly always on the menu. My hope is that this “spud fest” will be an assist or inspiration to you in future meal planning or thinking about holiday cooking.
What potato dish will complement your holiday feast this year??? 🧐
A Slice of Spud History
Potatoes come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. From the traditional Russet baking potato, fingerlings, red, purple, Yukon gold, white, bite size potatoes, and sweet potatoes, just to name a few!!! Each potato variety also holds a unique starch profile… adding to the complexity and flavor of the spud. The Potato is a global staple in the diets of many cultures across the world. Potatoes are grown in most states in the US!!!
North Carolina hosts a Potato Festival each year in Elizabeth City… did you know that NC ranks FIRST in production of sweet potatoes???
The Spanish Conquistadors brought the humble potato back into Europe after their explorations into the New World. Who would have thought that the potato would ultimately end up becoming the first vegetable planted in space and also the same plant that led to a famine crisis centuries ago in Ireland???
Chunking It Down: Why the Potato??
Potatoes are nutrient dense and a high quality carbohydrate food source . The humble spud is an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and potassium. The potato has a much potassium as a medium size banana!!! Plus, they’re a good source of niacin, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, and copper. The potato skin holds a whopping 55% of total iron, 34% of calcium, and 17% of zinc. While the flesh of the potato has most of the Vitamin C (30 % of daily requirement) and potassium. The potato offers a boost of energy, a good source of fiber, and a sense fullness and satisfaction from eating the “spud” may serve you well.
Ready to “Dish It Out”
Beautiful handmade dishes to serve up a scoop of your favorite potato dishes available at WCH
Ready to “slice into the world of potatoes”??? Grab a napkin to savor the flavors of the potato and let’s read about a few favorite potatoes that I came up with after that thought provoking conversation from the radio about the humble spud. Enjoy!!
“Soupy” or Stewed Potatoes
These chunks are the perfect size for soupy potatoes… you can take skin off if you prefer
Growing up I will admit my favorite way to have a potato on my plate with vegetables, was stewed or what I called “soupy” potatoes. Mom always scooped them right out of the pot placed them onto my plate before she used the potato masher and made mashed potatoes. That sweet, simple gesture was always appreciated by me. A special little gift to me each time she made potatoes. 😊Much to my dismay, my husband was unfamiliar with this “style” of potatoes! What!!! How on earth could he have never had “soupy” potatoes???? Now, we traditionally have them on New Year’s Day to accompany our pork, cooked cabbage, and black eyed peas Unfamiliar with this style of potatoes??? The Potatoes are peeled, cubed, cooked down perfectly, softened, buttered well, and seasoned with salt and pepper. “Soupy potatoes” alongside a chunk of cornbread, black-eyed peas, or fresh green beans, made the meal complete and hearty. A must try!!!
Garden Potatoes: New Potatoes
These enamel dishpans are perfect for garden chores, canning prep or many other uses!!! Stop by WCH to pick one up
As a girl growing up at home, I didn’t fully appreciate or understand why I had to help with harvesting vegetables in the garden. As a young kid, working outside never appealed to me. I would rather be inside watching my favorite cartoons or Scooby Doo episodes. But my parents insisted that we all pitch into help with the garden harvest, so my sister and I did. I can remember that Dad and Mom always did the heavy lifting in the garden (like digging out potatoes) as we were too young and maybe a bit unmotivated to do much… because our dear little hearts were still wrapped around those Saturday cartoons. But, I helped to pick fresh green beans off the vines, harvested squash, cucumbers, green peppers, and tomatoes.
Whether you need tools to dig or harvest in the garden, WCH has what you need
The garden haul of freshly dug “new potatoes” were quickly rinsed off with the water hose and carried inside. The smell of those new potatoes, mingled with dirt and earth is one smell I won’t forget. I do remember the love of the cooking of the garden feast… fresh greens beans prepared with those smallest “new potatoes” dug from the garden a true treat each summer!
The classic green garden hose is always available at WCH
Baked Potatoes: Using Russet Potatoes
In the Crock Pot…Baked potatoes in crockpot??? Try it if you haven’t done that before. Yes, save electricity by using your crockpot and cook on high for 2-3 hours (increase your time with the size of potato) instead of using your oven. I brush mine with olive oil, silt each side of the potato with a knife, and salt pepper and cover it and walk away for a few hours.. dinner success!
Traditional Oven Method… Preheat oven to 450. Use knife to cut slits into baking potatoes, I place mine onto my Lodge skillet and don’t wrap them in aluminum foil. Add olive oil and salt and pepper to exterior. Bake potatoes for about 1 hour. For larger baked potatoes, a bit longer baking time might be needed.
I often use my large Lodge skillet to bake my potatoes 🥔. It works really well!!Lodge skillets are always available for purchase at Wilkes County Hardware.
Side note Ok… I’ve viewed and tried the new trend of cutting baked potatoes in half and I do realize that it reduces the amount of time to bake… my take… I’m just not a fan of this method using a roasting pan. It changes the texture of your baked potatoes in the end. Want a different texture of a baked potato??? Try doing a Hasselback potato. This is another great variation.
Want to add more protein to your meal??? Serve up a baked potato with a hearty meat chili .
Chili Beans Recipe: For Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Ingredients:
1 lb. Browned ground hamburger
1 can (15.5 ounce) light red kidney beans
1 can (15.5 ounce) pinto beans
1 can (15.5 ounce) cannellini beans
2 cans (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Dash cayenne pepper
Making it…Chili Beans
1. Brown hamburger, while hamburger is cooking combine spices in a small bowl and mix well.
2. Add chili spice blend into hamburger, stir well.
3. Add beans (drain well) and tomato sauce into the chili/hamburger mixture.
4. Cook on low heat until beans have softened for at least 20-25 minutes.
5. Top baked potato with chili
Mashed Potatoes: Using Yukon Gold Potatoes
Potatoes are not a high calorie food in themselves, what WE ADD into the potato makes them a higher caloric source and less nutritional… sorry, this recipe is decadent and rich with butter, heavy cream, and cheese. This is a definite, delicious special treat when I make this side dish.
Recipe for Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:
Ingredients:
Peeled Yukon Gold potatoes -cubed (small chunks of potatoes will cook faster)
Heavy cream/or whole milk
1 stick softened unsalted butter
Salt and pepper
Cheeses: Parmesan, cheddar, Gruyère, whatever you prefer or have on hand
Making it: Mashed Potatoes
1. Begin with peeled and cubed potatoes in cold AND salted water in pot. Beginning with salted water will lock in the flavor of the salt. Cook on stovetop until potatoes are fork tender.
2. Drain potatoes after potatoes have soften in texture.
3. Cube up softened butter and add to potatoes, add black pepper potatoes to season to your liking.
4. Add a very small amount of milk or cream to begin with. You can always add more cream/milk … it is harder to take away the liquid without losing flavor!
5. Using hand mixer or stand mixer, mix the butter/milk mixture until smooth and creamy adding small amounts of milk/cream as you go.
Sometimes I’ll do a quick chop to make mixing potatoes a bit easier, especially if I’m making a bigger batch… these are a staple at WCH year round!
6. Once potatoes are creamy, add cheese (1/4 cup each) stir into potato mixture.
7. Serve immediately OR Keep potatoes warm by placing into a well buttered casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
Mashed potatoes can also be a “topping complement” to a Shepherd’s pie!!!!
Using your Potato Leftovers
My Granny never wasted a bit of food. Growing up in the Depression, she always would save the smallest amount of food from any meal. These leftovers were always used in creative ways…add ins for soups, stews, or served up at the next meal of the day. Potatoes that are leftover can be used in creative ways from making Twice Baked Potatoes, Fried Potato Cakes, to Creamy Potato Soup!
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Potato Soup
Ingredients:
Leftover Mashed potatoes.. no leftovers… 1 container of Bob Evans mashed potatoes works well
1 stick of unsalted Butter
Heavy Cream or Whole Milk
Cubed and diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)- potato skin off
Salt/pepper
See note below for extra ingredients to add as a toppings for finished soup
Making it: Potato Soup
1. Cook the cubed potatoes in well salted cold water in a large stock pot. Drain 3/4 of water once potatoes are softened.
2. Add black pepper, butter to pot. Slicing butter into small chunks will allow butter to distribute evenly into soup and melt faster. Do not stir to keep your potatoes intact.
3. Add milk or cream to pot. Filling above the potatoes. I like to do a combination of these ingredients (half/half)
4. Stir in the leftover mashed potatoes the more you have, the creaminess level will add to your soup!
5. Let soup simmer on low heat for at least 15-20 minutes.
6. Add ins… chopped crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, or serve along side with hot cornbread!
Cornbread is ready to go into the oven!!!
The Humble Potato… The Casserole Side Dish:
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the sweet potato for most. I know my dad always loves sweet potatoes for holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sweet potatoes can be baked, served up with a bit of even more sweetness with melted marshmallows on top of them, or served up as a casserole.
Not a sweet potato fan??? Well, truth being told, I’m not a fan of the sweet potato. But serve up a potato augratin in a casserole dish! I’m all in!!!
Au Gratin Potatoes are different from the scalloped potato… the main difference is that a scalloped potato is absent of cheese while Au Gratin potatoes have cream base and cheese. Need a potato dish in a hurry??? Try the option of using shredded hash browns instead with the cream, herbs and cheese layered into your Lodge skillet or casserole dish.
Recently made the layered hash browns with cheese and cream, it was delicious! Will continue to develop this recipe… so stay posted!
The Hot Dish: A Nod to Minnesota
Ever heard of this???? A Hot Dish??? Southerners may not necessarily recognize this staple but after reading about this potato dish you may want to incorporate this spud into your fall recipe lineup. According to my very good friend Barbara, who grew up Minnesota, the hot dish appears at every church potluck just like the typical potato casserole dish or infamous potato salad would be served at any Southern gathering. The traditional hot dish is topped with tater tots. Those of you who love tots, you will love this dish!!! The base of the hot dish is usually hamburger, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and cheesy. I made a few last Fall and winter. I’m a fan!
My first Hot Dish Attempt… needed more tots on top!!! The base was hamburger and mushrooms with taco seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese. It was great comfort meal food!!! A must try!!!
Easy Potato Sides
These dishes would be perfect for picnic lunch!!! Found at your local hardware store… Wilkes County Hardware
A picnic, covered dish luncheon, or cookout isn’t complete without at least one bowl of potato salad. Weeknight meals are sometimes served with the frozen varieties of the humble spud… fries, or tater tots. I love a good crisp tater tot to add to a grilled cheeseburger for a quick evening meal. My favorite way to add a bit of variety to the weekly menu selection is to do Oven Roasted potatoes, fried potatoes, or Steamed Potatoes. Fingerling, small baby red potatoes, or small new potatoes work well with this recipe below.
Steamed Potatoes
Ingredients:
1 bag of Fingerling potatoes, red, or new potatoes
4T unsalted butter
Spices: Italian seasoning, dried onion, salt, pepper to taste . Add your favorite ingredients to make this dish work for you!
Non stick Covered pot: Need lid for steaming (I use a Le Crueset casserole dish or a covered Lodge would work)
Making It: Steamed Potatoes
1. Allow butter to melt slowly in bottom of pot.
2. Add small potatoes, I do cut my potatoes in half if they are on larger size to allow for even cooking of the smaller ones.
3. Add spices. Add extra butter if potatoes are not fully saturated with butter. You do not want them to stick to bottom of pot! Add lid. Turn burner heat to a medium low.
4. Potatoes will sizzle as they steam. I shake/slide back and forth the steaming potato pot every 8-10 minutes to prevent them from sticking.
5. Allow potatoes to steam on low heat for at least 45 minutes. Smaller sizes potatoes will steam faster… open pot, use a fork to test for doneness. Fork should slide easily into done potatoes.
The Addictive Potato Chip
Ahhh the potato chip… You can’t eat just one
A little trivia tidbit… North Carolina potato growers also grow more than just the good ole sweet potato. About 70 percent of the potatoes grown in North Carolina are used in the production of potato chips!!! No wonder I love me a bag of potato chips so much!!! Leave me with a bag of potato chips and I can eat the whole bag😬. “Betcha you can’t eat just one… “ the old slogan from many years ago from Lays potato chips. Yes, I think I could eat the whole dang bag!!! Crushed Potato chips do make a wonderful topping for casseroles, and can be added as a topping for proteins like chicken or even fish! Oh, for unique twist, try Potato Chip Cookies!!! Yum!!! A Huge Thanks to Uncle David and Kimberly for sharing the recipe!!! This is always a favorite cookie shared during the Christmas holiday season but would be a nice treat anytime of the year.
Potato Chip Cookies:A Delicious Twist on the Potato
Ingredients:
1 C Butter
1/2 C Sugar
1 t Vanilla
2 C white Flour
1/2 C potato chips (Utz brand works great) crushed
1/2 C chopped pecans
Making it: Potato Chip Cookies
Preheat oven to 350. Mix and cream together butter, sugar and vanilla. Add flour, crushed potato chips and pecans. Drop by teaspoon onto a cookie sheet placing each cookie about 2 inches apart from each other. Flatten each cookie by using a glass cup, coated with sugar to enhance flavors. Bake 10-12 minutes on 350 degree oven. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
Last, but not the least “Holly Taters”
The Holly Farms poultry industry has been rooted in Wilkes since the 1950’s. In the late 1960’s, Holly Farms branched out into the restaurant industry. I can remember the good ol’ days of The Holly Farms Restaurants. We had one right in Wilkesboro which was always busy! Holly Farms Restaurant became known for two key foods… fried chicken and Holly Farms Tater Wedges. Many people have tried to replicate the potato wedges recipe, some finding success with a similar flavor profile. Below is a revised recipe for Tater Wedges that have been a staple for me. Thanks to my friend Susie for sharing her delicious recipe several years ago.
Holly Farms Tater Wedges
Ingredients:
1 c self rising flour
1 c Parmesan cheese (grated is best)
1 stick butter (unsalted)
Chicken Seasoning
Black Pepper
Freshly cut Russet potato wedges (uncooked)
Making it:
Preheat oven to 400. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut potatoes into wedges, wash well. I usually place wedges into a bowl of salted cold water while I’m prepping. Roll/toss potatoes into flour/cheese mixture. Line the tossed potato wedges onto baking sheet. Don’t crowd wedges. Use extra baking sheet if needed for even cooking. Sprinkle seasonings- chicken and black pepper. Cut butter into small chunks, dispersing along the baking sheet. Bake 45 minutes or until fork tender. Turn once during baking cycle.
So that’s it. Time to get off the “couch potato” and go make your favorite potato recipes! Hope y’all enjoyed this “mash up” about the potato.
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The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 