Spicy Fried Potatoes Recipe

1 to 1 1/2 pounds new potatoes, scrubbed
but not peeled
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil
4 large garlic cloves
1/2 small dried chile pepper, seeded and
chopped or pinch of chili powder
1 to 2 teaspoons paprika

Put as many potatoes in a wide saucepan as will fit tightly in a single layer.
Cover with cold water, add salt and bring to a boil. Cover with and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until done but not breaking up. Drain and peel or not as you wish, then cut into slices.

Heat the oil in a skillet.
Bruise the whole garlic cloves by pressing on them with the flat of a knife and add to the pan along with the chopped, dried chile pepper, if using.
When the garlic browns, discard the garlic and chile pepper.

Add potato slices over medium-high heat.
When they start to color around the edges, sprinkle with the paprika and chili powder, if using, and turn in the pan for a couple of minutes more.

How to make / prepare - Potato Puff

2 cups mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter
2 tablespoons chopped onion
3 eggs, separated

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine potatoes and Parmesan.
Add butter and onion.
Beat egg yolks and add them to the potato mixture.
Beat egg whites until they are stiff.
Fold egg whites into potato mixture.
Turn out into a deep, buttered 2-quart casserole.
Bake for 30 minutes or until a knife, inserted into the center, comes out clean.
Enjoy!

Pan Fried Louisiana Crab Cakes

1 extra-large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
3 or 4 drops Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1 pound fresh jumbo lump crabmeat
3 or 4 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
2 cups corn or peanut oil

Combine egg, mayonnaise and seasonings.
Add crabmeat and enough bread crumbs to absorb excess moisture.
Stir to blend well.
Mixture should be firm enough to hold together.
Adjust seasoning as desired.
Form crabmeat mixture into 8 patties.
Place on wax paper for about 20 minutes to dry slightly.

Pour oil into skillet to a depth of 1/2 inch and heat to 350 degrees F.
Fry crab cakes for about 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown on both sides.
Do not crowd pan.
Fry in several batches, if necessary.
Drain on paper towel.