Sunday, February 26, 2017

Potato Wedges In N Out Style

I've been working hard but who knew hard work could taste so good! I finally think I found the sweet spot with my potato wedges. 

Just recently I received my blood test results back from my physical and great news! My Cholesterol is down a total of 20 points and I'm down 10 pounds. 

3 years ago, I had a blood test and the doctor told me if I didn't get my Cholesterol down, I would have to be put on medication.  I was 34 years old at the time and just could not believe we were already talking about medication for a health condition that I may have for the rest of my life.  Something had to change and it did.  I decided to go on a plant based diet.  No meat or dairy to start but eventually I went down the vegan rabbit hole and for 3 years, have been working to get rid of and no longer purchase any animal products.  It started out great but even though I stayed vegan, the vegan "junk food" reared it's ugly head and unfortunately, I haven't been able to shake it.  I still am drinking coffee, eating the occasional vegan cupcake, binging on too many nuts, added oil, etc.  I could lay out a whole bunch of excuses as to why I fell off the horse but honestly, life is life and if I'm true to myself, I must care for myself no matter what life throws at me to ensure I'll be here during the good times as well. 

These wedges have no added salt.  Except for the ketchup, mustard, & dill relish at the end.  I eat 4 golden yukon potatoes cut into wedges.  Yup, 4 potatoes.  Many of you out there are saying "OMG the carbs!" Yes, but also 12-24 grams of protein (25%-50% of the recommended daily intake), 8-16 grams of fiber, over 100% of my daily intake of vitamin C, and between 1200-2400mg of Potassium.  Take that white bread! Because of the water and fiber content, potatoes fill be up.  This is a meal for me.  Each potato is 50-100 calories on average. After the toppings I'm guessing it's about a 500 calorie meal.  Not adding the salt means I'm removing a trigger for me to over eat.  Same idea with no oil.  Or, as Chef AJ might say, "the evil trinity"  SOS, salt oil and sugar.  I have to add, this is just ONE meal for me.  I eat more during the day of whole foods to get even more nutrients in there. 

I make my own seasoning for these wedges.  Now, if I'm Jonesn' for some salt, I will add a half tsp to the mix.  This is really good to add if a person is trying to transition to an SOS free diet.  Without further delay.  Here it is!

Prep: 5-15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes

Ingredients
  • 4 Yukon gold potatoes cut into wedges (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 2 tsp. nutritional yeast (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. dried lemon peel
  • 1/4 tsp. tyme
  • 1/4 tsp. basil
  • 1/4 tsp. dill
  • 1/4 tsp. oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. white pepper
    Ketchup
    Mustard (Dijon if desired)
  • dill relish (not sweet!)
  • Serving Dish or bowl
  • Fork (if desired)

Tools
  • Chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • tongs or spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • A baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or Silicon baking mat

  1. Preheat Oven to 425F. 
  2. If still needed cut potatoes into wedges
  3. Place wedges into mixing bowl with all of the spices and toss with tongs, hands or spatula.
  4. Place parchment or baking mat on baking sheet
  5. Spread wedges out onto prepared baking sheet
  6. Slide into preheated oven for 45 minutes
  7. Squirt desired amount of ketchup and mustard onto your pile of wedges along with desired amount of relish.
  8. Eat with a fork or fingers!
If these topping aren't your style consider making this cheese topping to go with it.  Creamy and delicious but healthy!!  Add some grilled onions and this may help give you an In N Out animal style fix!  There are two sauces and they are both good for this recipe. Nacho Cheese sauce is actually really really good as a sauce for macaroni and cheese.  Fooled my family and it's now a staple dinner recipe!

Nacho Cheese Sauce (The Recipe below the video if you want to skip the video):https://youtu.be/FqPLur2kWZw

Really Easy Fat Free Cheese Dip:(Again, below the video is the recipe) https://youtu.be/EcHt6RrLZPE