"potato" news and stories

Happy Potato Lover's Month!

Often overlooked as but the carb-ier half of "meat and potatoes," taters have actually been around since 500 B.C., when they were grown -- and worshiped -- by the Incas. But despite the potato's storied history (including Spanish Conquistadors, King Louis XVI's strategic planting of the crop, the Great Famine and Idaho's embrace), these days it's often taken for granted on the American table.

We hope these unique recipes spark some new enthusiasm for the tater!

• Leaning Potato Towers
• Oven Fries with Herbs and Pecorino
• Horseradish Twice-Baked Potatoes
• Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots
• Potato-Celeriac Gratin
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Warm Chicken Sausage and Potato Salad
• Seasoned Potato Wedges
• Potato Pizza with Rosemary
• Provencal Potato "Bouillabaisse"

Become a member of the Slashfood Flickr pool to get a shot at having your photos featured on the site.

Happy Potato Day!

Once thought to be a poisonous member of the nightshade family, potatoes were once avoided in Europe, despite the fact that they were first consumed by the ancient Incas thousands of years ago. In fact, Sir Walter Raleigh was responsible for introducing the potato into the European diet in the 16th century, when he planted them on his Irish property. They were embraced by Irish cuisine and today, hundreds of varieties of the potato are grown around the world.

According to the Food Lover's Companion, "Potatoes are probably the most versatile vegetable in the world and can be cooked in any way imaginable." What's your favorite use for the tater? Share it with us in the comments!

Become a member of the Slashfood Flickr pool to get a shot at having your photos featured in Feast Your Eyes.

Photo: John Paul Filo, CBS Broadcasting Inc./AP.

President Obama made his first appearance Monday night on the "Late Show with David Letterman" as President of the United States, but it was a potato that stole the show.

The commander-in-chief -- who made his sixth appearance on the talk show (his first as President) to discuss Afghanistan, the economy, unemployment and health care -- was upstaged by a heart-shaped potato, brought to the show's taping by Mary Apple of Independence, Mo.

"The main reason I'm here?" the President said. "I want to see that heart-shaped potato."

It might seem like a time-saver, but don't turn that tap to hot when prepping to boil and mash potatoes.

Zucchini, Potato and Scallion Pancakes. Photo: Rec(ession)ipes.

As we transition from summer to fall, it's the perfect time to pair prime vegetables from each season.

And these zucchini, potato and scallion pancakes from Rec(ession)ipes beautifully capture the colors of autumn, while sneaking in the last tastes of summer. Pan-fried and topped with a dollop of chive sour cream, a glimpse at these almost makes up for the fact that we'll be seeing a lot less of the sun for a while. Almost.

[Via Rec(ession)ipies]