Ask Dr. Potato

Are instant mashed potatoes really made from potatoes or is it some fabricated chemical combination of things made to taste mostly like potatoes?

I was in an interesting pizza restaurant the other day, 800 Degrees in Westwood California and I noticed that they offered three basic pies and then a bunch of upscale toppings, each priced at $1. This intrigues me. Have you ever seen a QSR or fast food place do this with Idaho baked potatoes?

Some people may be fooled, but I’m not. That giant Idaho potato that has been touring the country isn’t real. I want to know what it looks like underneath that russet colored skin.

I eat a baked potato every night. I am wondering, can I bake 3 at a time and keep them in the refrigerator? Will they have the same nutrition of a baked potato made daily?

Why did Idaho get a reputation for big potatoes?

Do you have any suggestions for pairing fish with potatoes for Lent?

I have several packages of hash browns in my garage refrigerator freezer. I noticed that the freezer is not keeping them frozen solid. They are soft, but still very cold and have ice crystals. Is there a risk with cooking and eating them? If so, what specifically would be the concern?

Are there any suggestions you might make for Valentine’s Day if I choose to stay at home and fix dinner for my significant other?

Can you please give me more information on Yukon Gold potatoes? I just bought 60 lbs. of potatoes from a local Mennonite farmer here in South Western Ontario, Canada. I asked two or three times specifically for Yukon Gold—and the reply was “Yes, these are Yukon Gold”. After I got home I looked at the bag and it says “yellow fleshed” and I am not really happy and they are definitely not “Yukon Golds”. My understanding is that Yukon Gold is a type of yellow fleshed but very distinct look and taste.

I placed some unwrapped Russet potatoes and sweet potatoes in the oven to roast. During the roasting process the oven failed and when I removed the potatoes they were only slightly cooked. My guests continued the process and finished cooking them in the microwave. We do not know at what point the oven failed in the process. Do we have any health concerns? The potatoes were eaten by my guests? I know I have read about food poisoning/botulism from improperly prepared potatoes.