French Fridays with Dorie – Matafan
December 2, 2011 in sides
I took a brief hiatus from French Fridays with Dorie because… well, I didn’t like the recipe choices. But Around My French Table has been staring me in the face, taunting me, wanting me to at least attempt my original goal of cooking every recipe in the book – even if I’m convinced I won’t like them.
This week’s recipe was a good one to ease back into. It was easy, quick, and I already had all the ingredients on hand. I bet you do too (and although the group members don’t share Dorie’s recipes on our blogs, a quick google search will bring up quite a few matafan recipes you can try!).
So the idea behind these fluffy mashed potato pancakes is that you bake a couple potatoes on a salt bed so that they dry out and then mash them, mix with eggs, and fry until golden brown. Easy, right?
I was kind of disappointed with them at first. I found them bland even after added a ton of salt and some garlic powder but sprinkling Parmesan, sea salt, and pepper on top really helped them out. They turned out delicious and I was sad that the recipe made such a small batch!
Make sure you check out Around My French Table if you’re interested in this recipe and then visit French Fridays with Dorie to see what the other group members thought about these potato pancakes!
Weren’t these absolutely amazing???? I want to make more! In fact I AM making more to serve with our final Charcutepalooza meal this weekend – to serve the smoked salmon on :)
Ooh…the Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper sound delicious on the pancakes!
With the additions you made I think I’d love these!
Oooh, parmesan would be great with these. I’d think it would work mixed into the batter, too. Good idea!
I really liked your version! Garlic mashed potatoes are my favorite and I love how you replicated the flavors when picking out the toppings. These are definitely a blank canvas ready to be played with.
I like the saltiness of parmesan to bring out the taste of these pancakes. Welcome back and hopefully we’ll see more of your dishes in upcoming weeks!
Yep…this recipe looked too bland for me…guess we eat to much spicy Mexican food around here. And I was surprised by the amount of salt this pancakes required. But when doctored up, they are delicious. Yours are beautiful.
I should have tried some flavor additions, because I found these to be pretty bland. I love your photo!
Hmm cool recipe. I bet it tastes great too. I have never ever ever made every recipe in a cookbook.
Looks delicious!! Also, thanks so much for all of your sweet comments. I definitely think you would like the Mac and cheese.
These look so good. I’m going to do them bland or not as there is always going to be something in the fridge that these will turn into something elegant!
These definitely need some dressing up. Parmesan is a great idea! Welcome back to French Friday :)
I’ve had a hiatus or two myself!
It was a good week to come back! They were pretty simple to make. I liked mine with maple syrup, I guess cos it really gave them a boost of flavour!
Your pancakes look great with the parmesan!
I was so tempted to add some parm! And I think these would be fabulous with some garlic and cheddar added…so many options! Glad you enjoyed~
I think cheese is just what these needed! These are really versatile & it’s fun to see how everyone served them.
Enjoy your weekend!
I’m glad you joined us again! Your potato pancakes look so pretty with the parmesan cheese on top. I hope you do get a chance to make them again with gold potatoes because I do think they have more flavor than the russet.
Welcome back. We thought they needed something to go with them as well as you saw from the duck topping. :-) Your Parmesan looks like a great addition!
Yours look delicious and love how you topped it:)I really liked it as a side with my salad.:)
Black pepper and parmesan, what a great idea! I loved reading all of the different ways FFWDers modified and served this simple recipe.
Welcome back to FFWD! These were a good choice to start back on – I like the idea of adding parmesan on top.
Welcome Back! Looks terrific. I also thought they were a little bland and dressed up the second half of the batter with bacon and chives – much improved the flavor!