Potatoes are a food known for their versatility, a good staple to have around. They pair well with virtually any protein, from ribeye to halibut, and can be cooked however you like: boiled, braised, fried or roasted.

But beyond their role as a go-anywhere side, these ubiquitous tubers can be made into a dough.

You’re probably familiar with gnocchi, the Italian dumplings whose dough is made up of potatoes and flour. But did you know you that can hold the flour (great for those who want to avoid gluten) and create a dough out of just potatoes?

With a little patience and bit of whatever ingredients you have lying around, you can turn simple boiled potatoes into stuffed potato croquettes, with the crunch of fries, the softness of mashed potatoes and a delicious “surprise.”

How To Make Potato Croquettes

1. Peel the potatoes. Figure that one large russet potato will give you roughly two croquettes. Russets are tried and true for this recipe, but there’s no reason you can’t use whatever potatoes you have lying around (check out the different types of potatoes). Once your potatoes are knife-tender (meaning they are soft enough to stick a knife into with no resistance), run them through a food mill, just as you would if you were going to make mashed potatoes.

2. Put the mashed potato “fluff” back into a pot. Continue to cook for another few minutes at medium heat to eliminate as much moisture as you can. Stir constantly to prevent the potatoes from burning (lower the heat if you begin to see brown), but the more moisture you can take out now, the easier the next step will be.

3. Shape the croquettes. Once you’ve dried out the potato fluff, cool it down just enough so that you can handle it without burning yourself (feel free to use gloves if you have sensitive hands). In the palm of a cupped hand, press about a half cup of potato fluff to form an open pocket roughly a half-inch thick. Gently press 2-3 tablespoons of filling into the pocket, then cover with more fluff. Use both hands to gently form the croquette into as even and round a shape as you can (perfect spheres are not necessary, and oblong or somewhat cylindrical shapes work well). Your finished product should be the size of a large egg.

This technique will probably take a little bit of practice. The key is pressing hard enough to compact the croquette into a stable, solid piece, but not so hard that it cracks or squashes. Pay close attention to how the croquettes behave as you apply pressure, so that you can learn to squeeze them just right. If you ever made snowballs as a child, you’ll have a head start on this process!

It may also help to work on a floured surface (all-purpose flour is ideal, but if you need to go gluten-free you can use rice flour), and use a bit of flour to keep your hands dry, in case there is excess moisture in the potato fluff. Just don’t go overboard and start smothering them in flour.

 
Find more of our favorite potato recipes.

And let us know how you enjoy those croquettes.

Enjoy a glass of Scotch: It’s World Whisky
Day. Photo courtesy Chivas Regal.

Blair Bowman, 21, has established the first ever World Whisky Day.

Unlike other drinks such as beer, tequila and vodka, whisky did not have its own dedicated holiday. When the enterprising young Scot discovered this, he quickly set about creating a “day” and a website, WorldWhiskyDay.com (which is “currently unavailable”). Some 125 events are registered in more than 30 countries.

To celebrate World Whisky Day, have a shot, a whisky cocktail or this ice cream brownie sundae with Scotch caramel sauce. Here’s the recipe. You can also mix two tablespoons of whisky into a jar of warmed caramel or chocolate sauce.

In our free-speech society, anyone can declare anything they want. In order for it to get noticed outside the circle of one’s friends, however, broader awareness is required.

There’s an official process for a “sanctioned” holiday. Here are the details, along with all the food holidays in the U.S. (To get the daily holiday, sign up at Twitter.com/TheNibble.)

How Many Types Of Whiskey Have You Had?

Whiskey is spirit made from a fermented mash of grain or malt, aged in barrels; the brown color comes from barrel aging. There are numerous types of whiskey—American (Bourbon, corn, Tennessee, rye), Canadian, Irish, Scotch and others. Each is distinguished by the type of grain (barley, corn, rye) used in the fermentation process, as well as the distinct distillation and aging process. The color comes from aging in wood barrels.

Australia, England, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and Thailand, all strong markets for whiskey, now produce their own. Regardless of the variety or country of origin, a general rule of thumb is that all straight whiskeys must be aged at least two years in wood, generally oak. Each nation has its own rules and regulations about what constitutes a true whiskey.
Check out our Whiskey Glossary for a quick review of whiskey types and terms.

Whisky Vs. Whiskey

In Ireland and the U.S., the word whiskey is spelled with an “e.” Brits, Scots and Canadians usually drop it. Interestingly, a 1968 directive of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms specifies “whisky” as the official U.S. spelling, but allows the alternative spelling, “whiskey,” which most U.S. producers (and we) prefer.

You can still enjoy bakery-style cookies, thanks to My Dad’s gluten-free cookie line.

A broad selection of tasty cookies awaits—cookies so well crafted that most people will never know they’re gluten-free. We couldn’t tell when we first tasted the cookies!

Read the full review, and treat yourself or a gluten-free loved one to some lovely nibbles.

Find more of our favorite gluten-free products.

How many different types of cookies are there?
See our Cookie Glossary.

[1] Make a pearl/Israeli couscous salad instead of rice salad. It pairs well with just about any other ingredients (photo © Travelling Light | iStock Photo).

[2] Three types of couscous, clockwise from top left: pearl/Israeli couscous, Moroccan couscous, and Lebanese/Moghrabieh couscous. Here’s how to cook them (photo © Feel Good Foodie).

[3] For more flavor and fiber, use whole wheat couscous. Here’s the recipe for this Whole Wheat Couscous Pilaf (photo © Hungry Couple).

[4] Tricolor pearl couscous adds fun color to the preparation. Here’s the recipe for this butter chicken dish (photos #4 and #8 © Rice Select).

[5] Salmon atop a bed of pearl/Israeli couscous (photo © M. Sheldrake | Dreamstime).

[6] Grilled peaches or nectarines with Moroccan couscous and a garnish of salami. Here’s the recipe (photo © Stasty).

[7] A versatile portion of Lebanese Moghrabieh. This chickpea-sized couscous can be eaten with a protein, as a side, in a salad, or in a wrap. Here’s the recipe (photo © Plant Based Folk).

Chef Johnny Gnall has been experimenting with pearl couscous sent from Bob’s Red Mill, with delicious results. His report follows. If you have questions or suggestions for tips, email Chef Johnny.

Couscous is a type of pasta made from semolina (wheat flour) and water. With its tiny, granular shape and quick cooking time, it’s a staple food in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines.

While often mistaken for a grain, couscous is technically a pasta, made by forming semolina into small, rounded pellets.

While most couscous is made from refined wheat, you can find whole-wheat couscous made from whole wheat durum flour, which contains all three parts of the grain (the endosperm, the germ, and the bran).

August 5th is National Couscous Day.

> The history of couscous is below.

> So are the year’s 35+ grain holidays.
 
 
HOW TO ENJOY COUSCOUS

When most people think of couscous (KOOS-koos), they think of Moroccan couscous: fluffy piles of semolina, their tiny grains not much larger than coarse cornmeal.

But pearl couscous (also called Israeli couscous) has been making its way onto more and more menus and supermarket shelves. The beautiful round beads (pearls) of semolina are most deserving of finding their way to your kitchen.

Pearl/Israeli couscous is larger and toothier than Moroccan couscous. (EDITOR’S NOTE: We prefer the term “pearl” to “Israeli” couscous. Pearl is an accurate description; “Israeli” seems to limit one’s thoughts of the ingredient to Israeli/Middle Eastern cuisine. You can use it to replace orzo or rice.)

The pearls have a pleasant, chewy texture when properly cooked, giving the couscous a real comfort food quality. Think of macaroni and cheese made with big, thick elbow noodles. That same type of enjoyable, al dente bite is so satisfying, and it’s something that you can’t get out of Moroccan couscous (though you’re probably not looking for it there anyway).

People often think of pearl couscous as exotic. But it’s made of the same semolina wheat as pasta. You should think of it as any other small cut of pasta, like alphabets; corallini, ditallini and tubettini (tiny tubes); orzo (shaped like grains of rice); and pastina (tiny stars).
 
 
3 TYPES OF COUSCOUS

The key difference is that Moroccan couscous acts more like a fine grain that blends into dishes, while pearl and Lebanese couscous present more like small pasta that maintains their distinct pearl shapes and chewy texture.

 
There are two sub-categories to consider.

 
Both tricolor and whole wheat versions can be found in the fine-grain Moroccan style as well as the larger pearl/Israeli style.
 
 
HOW TO COOK & SERVE PEARL COUSCOUS

Pearl couscous substitutes seamlessly for rice or any grain. Cook pearl couscous like pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, using 1.5 times the amount of water as pasta (or cover the dry pasta by 2-3 inches). You can also use stock, or toss a bouillon cube into the water for extra flavor.

Cooking time will vary; test after five minutes. The pearls will absorb some water and should be both soft and chewy. (Remember, it will continue to cook when you remove it from the heat.)

From there, you can:

Make A Couscous Salad

Add diced tomato, red onion, feta cheese and torn basil for a Greek-style salad; use cherry tomatoes, sundried tomatoes or roasted red pepper when tomatoes are out of season. Or use chopped pistachios, golden raisins and cubed roasted squash for a Moroccan-style salad in any season.

In fact, you can add just about any three ingredients to make a couscous salad. Try a vegetable, a nut or legume and an herb, tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and a splash of acid—citrus juice or vinegar.

Proteins are also welcome: cubes of chicken and tofu work especially well. The recipe in the photo at the top uses leftover corn and peas, a bit of oil and balsamic vinegar, and a garnish of grated Parmesan.

For the best presentation, cut or chop your ingredients into small pieces, so they look at home nestled within the pearl couscous.

Treat It Like Pasta

Top couscous with tomato sauce and shredded Parmesan to keep it simple. Or toss it with olive oil, herbs and vegetables for Pearl Couscous Primavera. If you want to indulge, make some Pearl Couscous Carbonara with egg, Parmesan and diced pancetta.

Go Full-On Comfort Food

Three words: Mac. And. Cheese. The chewiness of pearl couscous really is wonderful with a gooey cheese like Gruyère or mozzarella, and a topping of crispy breadcrumbs (try panko). The symphony of tastes and textures will have your lids dropping in pleasure.

Turn It Into Couscous Risotto

Start by toasting the pearl couscous in a pot over medium-high heat with a touch of olive oil. Then begin stirring liquid in, just as you would with risotto. You can use any liquid that suits you; water or stock with a little white wine are probably your best bets.

Take It Swimming

Once it’s cooked, drop pearl couscous directly into soups, stews and chilis. It provides a pleasant texture and adds body to the food.

To add some extra love, flavor the couscous cooking water with some of the vegetables or aromatics in the main dish. Just drop them into the pot with the couscous as it cooks. Carrots and onions impart a bit of sweetness, herbs add depth and flavor. Even a bone from whatever beast you may be stewing can be a nice touch to build the complexity of your couscous.
 
 
THE HISTORY OF COUSCOUS

Couscous is more than 1,000 years old. The Berbers, who lived along the northern (Mediterranean) coast of Africa, west of the Nile Valley (modern Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia—the Barbary Coast/Berber Coast), ate wheat as a staple grain.

Over generations, they learned that by grinding the wheat and making couscous, it would keep for years—insurance against drought and famine. The result has long been a base for North African cooking.

Couscous is made from yellow granules of semolina, made from durum pasta wheat, which are precooked and then dried. The pearl grains are the original couscous.

The term can refer to the ingredient itself or a prepared dish. Like pasta or rice, couscous is versatile and has numerous preparations. It is simple to prepare: Just add boiling water and let it sit. It can be flavored with exotic spices or served plain. North African stews (tagines) are traditionally served over it.

Couscous is now widely available in most supermarkets. Keeping with food trends, specialty producers such as Bob’s Red Mill sell whole wheat couscous and tricolor in addition to the natural white pearls.
 

[8] Seven roasted vegetables atop Moroccan couscous. Here’s the recipe.
 
 
THE YEAR’S 35+ GRAIN HOLIDAYS

The most important food grains are rice, wheat, and maize (corn). These three cereal grains provide more than half of the calories consumed by humans worldwide. Other grains like barley, oats, sorghum, and millet also play a significant role in global food production and consumption.

 
Plus

Funny Food, by Bill & Claire Wurtzel. © 2012
Welcome Enterprises, Inc.,
www.funnyfood.us.

In 1001 Arabian Nights, the cuckolded King Shahryar executes his faithless wife and proceeds to marry a new virgin every day, executing her the next morning before she has a chance to dishonor him.

Eventually his vizier (minister), whose task it is to provide the brides, cannot find any more virgins. His daughter Scheherazade (shuh-HAIR-uh-ZOD) volunteers and is wed to the king.

That night, the clever girl tells the king a fascinating tale, but does not finish the story. King Shahryar can’t execute her the next morning, since he wants to hear the end of it. The next evening, as soon as she finishes the tale, she begins a new story…and so it goes for 1,001 nights.

Three years and three children later, Queen Scheherazade has convinced her husband that she is his faithful wife. She keeps her head (and her three children—obviously more than storytelling went on). Hopefully they lived happily ever after.

Funny Food: Another Daily Fascination

Now it’s time to introduce another fascinating book, one which has very few words. But who needs words when the photographs tell the whole story?

Funny Food: 365 Fun, Healthy, Silly, Creative Breakfasts, will fascinate a spouse or family as much as Scheherazade’s tales—and they get to eat the “story.”

What fun to be married to an art director who plies his trade in the kitchen. For more than 50 years, Bill Wurtzel has taken everyday breakfast foods—bagels and other breads, cereal, cottage cheese, eggs, fruit, ham, pancakes, waffles and yogurt—and turned them into edible art for wife Claire and their daughters. There are animals, birds, cars, flowers, people, musical instruments, trees and more. Everything is nutritious and the designs turn old standbys into exciting food.

And you can do it, too.

It’s Really Easy

There’s a two-page tip list of how to make your own creations, and two spreads that show the four simple steps to make a head and a train. Otherwise, there are no on-the-page instructions. The majority of the designs are easy to recreate—most are so easy that anyone old enough to do an art project can assemble this food art.

In fact, the Wurtzels now give workshops for school children to promote healthy eating and fun. There’s a downloadable guide on the book’s website.

 
This is a wonderful book to inspire younger people to cook and a boost of creativity for experienced cooks who can see how to use fruits, vegetables and nuts to make everyday dishes shine.

Get your copy.

We can only hope that the Wurtzels are working on Funny Lunch.