A Grandkid-friendly Recipe
posted on
December 11, 2020
The summer we won't soon forget...the year of the pandemic. A year of upheaval, uncertainty, and unexpected adjustments.
Right after schools were closed in the spring and parents were working from home, our daughter's family came to stay with us for a time because - why not! There's so much more to do on the farm, space to run, places to explore, animals to help take care of, puppies to play with...
Right after they sorta moved in...the whole state was shut down, and they ended up being here all summer! The grandkids, ages 6, 8, and 10, quickly learned the chore routine and jumped in to help Papa with feeding and watering chickens, moving the chicken shelters, gathering eggs, checking on pigs, etc. They even got really good at helping to move the cows through the pasture rotation. Many memories were made this summer!
Anyway, one of the challenges for me was staying one step ahead with meal planning. After being empty-nesters for 10 years or so, I forgot how much food growing kids can eat!!
One dinner recipe that was always a hit was a very simple one. I sliced a package of Smoked Pork Links into a skillet, stir-fried a bit, then added sliced potatoes and continued to fry. Usually we added a veggie and some applesauce to the menu, and the kids were happy campers!
Fried Potatoes and Pork Links
- 1-lb package Elm Run Farms Smoked Pork Links - sliced
- 1-2 Tbsp. healthy oil or fat (pastured lard, grass-fed butter or ghee, coconut oil, etc.)
- 4-5 potatoes, peeled and sliced
- salt - optional
Heat fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced links. Cook and stir for a couple minutes, then add in the potatoes and stir again. Reduce heat to about medium, and let it cook for about 20 minutes. Stir and then cook for another 15-20 minutes until done to your liking.
Notes and Variations:
- For better browning (and better flavor!) of the potatoes, resist the urge to stir too often, especially in the beginning.
- Covering the skillet for the first 10-20 minutes will speed up the cooking time, but then uncover for crispier potatoes.
- Add diced onions and/or peppers for added color and flavor.
- For a lower carb option, sub any veggies for the potatoes (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, or a combination of your favorites.)
Yes, I know they say fried foods aren't good for you...but I maintain that if you use healthy, heat-stable fats instead of vegetable oils that are high in artificial trans fats - the occasional home-cooked fried dish won't hurt you!
Enjoy!!
