Leftovers Remixed

So, before we are stuffed to the gills with Thanksgiving delights as well as having an overflowing refrigerator, I thought I would share a few recipes to try to make a dent in all the leftover food. I will start with a great recipe that uses leftover mashed potatoes. I just used it tonight and it was awesome. My kids loved it and I think it would be easy to add other flavors, for those of us that are adventurous and like to make a recipe your own.

Crisp Mashed Tator Cakes

1/2 C. chopped green onions
2 C. mashed potatoes, chilled
2 Tbsp sharp cheddar cheese (I also added fresh grated parmesan)
1/8 tsp salt (I used garlic salt for xtra flavor)
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 center cut bacon slice cooked and crumbled (was out of bacon, but had real bacon bits in the fridge. I used a Tblsp of this)
3/4 C. panko bread crumbs (again, didn't have this so I crushed up ceasar flavored croutons)

• Preheat oven to 425
• heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onions, and cook for 2 min. or until tender. Remove from heat.
• Place mashed potatoes in medium bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients except for the bread crumbs. Divide potato mixture into 6-8 equal patties. Place panko into shallow dish and dredge potato cakes until coated on all sides.
• Place patties on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425 for 12 min or until golden brown. Let sit for 2 min (to set) and serve immediatly.

I have also bypassed cooking the onions and just thrown everything together. Then, in a skillet on medium heat, add approx. 2 Tbsp olive oil and then fry the cakes until a golden brown. Excellent!