Comfort Food Origins - Fried Potatoes

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
  • Comfort foods make up some of our fondest memories. In this episode, we explore a common comfort food today and look for its roots in the 18th century. Let's make fried potatoes!
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ความคิดเห็น • 724

  • @thecreweofthefancy
    @thecreweofthefancy ปีที่แล้ว +52

    I read an account of a cook in about 1678 who said he saw a strange man in a blue jacket sneaking around his kitchen writing nutmeg into all of his notes. He was unsure if the man meant trouble so he left the nutmeg entries alone.

  • @johngalt969
    @johngalt969 ปีที่แล้ว +302

    "I don't go back in time and add nutmeg to every recipe." that's what a time travelling nutmeg saboteur WOULD say!

    • @Skubbes
      @Skubbes ปีที่แล้ว +10

      honestly i never used more than a quarter of nutmeg and its usually in milk dishes. this man would add it to his toothpaste :D :D

    • @armintor2826
      @armintor2826 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Nutmeg saboteur is a crazy title

    • @MikeGameOver
      @MikeGameOver ปีที่แล้ว

      Guilty!!

    • @maeamaryllis_
      @maeamaryllis_ 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Pretty sure John is a Doctor Who for nutmeg

  • @GildedPoo
    @GildedPoo ปีที่แล้ว +149

    I think it's beautiful that the 23 member family will forever live on through this video. Something they never even imagined was possible when writing an otherwise simple letter.

    • @highlands
      @highlands ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I'm just amazed that 23 people could survive eating poop covered potatoes.

    • @gtccold
      @gtccold ปีที่แล้ว

      The surprising thing is that it was probably a viral news article that saved lives during wheat crops failure.

  • @stumpyhigginbottom3466
    @stumpyhigginbottom3466 ปีที่แล้ว +500

    Potato + cow is just about as simple a recipe as can be, but almost every iteration of that - baked potato + sour cream + cheese; mashed potato + butter; scalloped potato + buttermilk; myriad others - ends up being a really satisfying meal.

    • @KairuHakubi
      @KairuHakubi ปีที่แล้ว +35

      I'm told the two together have basically all the nutrients you need. the irish survived and looked healthy at a time when they had almost nothing but potatoes and milk
      I have also heard the reason potatoes are so uniquely satisfying is they just take a long time to digest and make you feel full longer, sort of the opposite of rice.

    • @LazyLifeIFreak
      @LazyLifeIFreak ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@KairuHakubi You'd still need a bulk source of protein to maintain muscle and bone health, whole milk is good and all but you're not drinking gallons of it every day.

    • @thegungeonmaster
      @thegungeonmaster ปีที่แล้ว +25

      @@LazyLifeIFreak the cow does end up getting old eventually.

    • @Big_Glizzy.
      @Big_Glizzy. ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Potatos and cabbage

    • @KairuHakubi
      @KairuHakubi ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@LazyLifeIFreak well they also made cheese. that concentrates it a bit eh
      but yeah i believe this thing i'm referring to, they had the odd cabbage, and the odd bit of bacon when they could get it, but day to day it was like pure potatoes n dairy for a while

  • @bobgusky8140
    @bobgusky8140 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Mr Townsend is the Bob Ross of historical cooking. I can be having a rotten day, and watch a video or two and will have learned something, and likely be in a better mood.

    • @Bluelampguy
      @Bluelampguy ปีที่แล้ว

      Could't agree more

  • @sumbius1576
    @sumbius1576 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I have always been more used to fried potatoes for various dishes being made from boiled potatoes. Usually from last day's leftovers. Different texture but it works especially when trying to make do on a budget (and eating a lot of potatoes) instead of specifically planning to make fried potatoes

  • @jamesvatter5729
    @jamesvatter5729 ปีที่แล้ว +96

    Didn't take long to get that "nutmeg" in there! LOL I'm actually surprised the sugar version wasn't the choice. Thought it would bring out the spice.

    • @townsends
      @townsends  ปีที่แล้ว +65

      It's wasn't me, it was them. They did it!

    • @goatkidmom
      @goatkidmom ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@townsends I think rosewater or cinnamon or ginger would add some layers of flavor that would go well with sugar. Nutmeg, though wonderful 😊, is probably too simple as a single flavor on its own to go with sugar. Even when I'm baking cakes or cookies, if nutmeg is the primary spice, a secondary spice is needed, along with something to give body to the flavor like vanilla or chocolate.

    • @PerMortensen
      @PerMortensen ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@townsends Jon doth protest too much, methinks.

  • @jeromethiel4323
    @jeromethiel4323 ปีที่แล้ว +85

    My mother used to always bake extra potatoes when baking potatoes. Because the next morning, she would slice those baked potatoes up and fry them in a cast iron skillet with butter and sometimes a little added vegetable oil. A little salt and pepper and you have a hearty breakfast dish.
    And i have personally eaten a freshly baked potato with nothing but a little salt to dip the spud in. Perfectly edible and tasty, but a bit thirst provoking. But if you were hungry, it just doesn't matter. ^-^

    • @jd9119
      @jd9119 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The cast iron skillet is essential.

    • @parallelcircuit
      @parallelcircuit ปีที่แล้ว +3

      My grandpa would make this for the two of us for lunch every Saturday growing up. We'd have that, peanut butter sandwiches, a cup of Rose Red tea, and a small glass of his home made wine. Just the thing between weeding the garden and going out the fix some fence.

    • @annienewman8312
      @annienewman8312 ปีที่แล้ว

      my family does that too

    • @billyyank5807
      @billyyank5807 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have no issues eating baked potatoes with just a little butter. I don't like sour cream so I don't put it on potatoes.

    • @jeromethiel4323
      @jeromethiel4323 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@billyyank5807 Nothing wrong with that, eat your spuds how you like em! Potatoes are very egalitarian that way. You could eat them raw, baked, fried, stewed, even fermented. Just doesn't matter. The lowly spud will be there for you. ^-^

  • @margaretbarclay-laughton2086
    @margaretbarclay-laughton2086 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    If you added some flour to the egg or eve to water before dipping the potato slices and frying was and still is around Glasgow a comfort treat its even sold in local chip shops

  • @mikefranklin1253
    @mikefranklin1253 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    Mama made "German Fried Potatoes". Fried with bacon and onion in a cast-iron skillet. Good stuff.

    • @StarDustForge
      @StarDustForge ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yes! That is what we call "Bratkartoffeln" over here in germany. It is made with or without egg and typically served with pickled gherkins (small cucumbers) on the side.

    • @justicedemocrat9357
      @justicedemocrat9357 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Does mama have an onlyfans?

  • @ProSimex84
    @ProSimex84 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    “Maby you don’t like nutmeg”. I’m surprised this wasn’t followed up with “if so please unsubscribe from our channel” hahahaha. I have certainly sat down to a dish of potatoes and been thankful to have it. They are nearly a perfect food when you’re down and out.

  • @tadsklallamn8v
    @tadsklallamn8v ปีที่แล้ว +517

    Potatoes are a first foods for indigenous people. I am indigenous and working here on my 4th season as a test-farmer for our tribe's food department. I'm gonna make this recipe out of the makah ozette potatoes I just planted in the garden a long with some frybread.

    • @terryt.1643
      @terryt.1643 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      That sounds scrumptious! My standard potatoes have been doing well all winter, very unusual for here in Central Coast California. Usually I plant in late March for our first harvest and then I may get one or two more after that, this year I harvested potatoes in January and February. Weird year. Good luck with your potato crop. I am going to have to look up your potatoes, since haven’t heard of those before. 👍

    • @faithwalker5196
      @faithwalker5196 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I’ll be there in time for dinner!

    • @SpanishEclectic
      @SpanishEclectic ปีที่แล้ว +16

      This sounds like a fascinating occupation. I saw an interview with an indigenous chef who was experimenting with ways to combine traditional and modern foods. I love the purple and blue potatoes I find here in Southern California; imported from Peru, I think. They have a nice texture and the flavor is outstanding. I've grown a few informally from the eyes. One day I'll get organized and try a full crop. Smaller potatoes like your makah ozette are so versatile and easy to prepare. I hope to try them sometime. Peace.

    • @Wolfietherrat
      @Wolfietherrat ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Keep us in touch, would love to hear your work.

    • @geradkavanagh8240
      @geradkavanagh8240 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Bizarre comment. Are you from South America, The original source of potatoes.

  • @beau-urns
    @beau-urns ปีที่แล้ว +5

    What I take from this video: support local, shop local. You are putting money right back into your community.

  • @Hulaabeo
    @Hulaabeo ปีที่แล้ว +158

    I have never clicked a video notification faster.

    • @Vodkkah
      @Vodkkah ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Right tho lmao

    • @connorbaniak
      @connorbaniak ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm not here super often, yet subscribed. Exact same thought as you, though!

    • @ericwilliams1659
      @ericwilliams1659 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A legate would have clicked faster.

    • @pizzalord3n
      @pizzalord3n ปีที่แล้ว +1

      *Fastest click in the west*

    • @missmaryhdream6560
      @missmaryhdream6560 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Oh I do love these beautiful videos x Helpful in these times, of endurance

  • @josephstevens9888
    @josephstevens9888 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    My Dad always made fried potatoes with onions every Sunday morning. This video took me back to a much simpler time of my life. Thanks Jon!

  • @therealshug
    @therealshug ปีที่แล้ว +6

    your thoughts here about returning to a more self-sufficient state with actual family units really resonated with me, it's something I think about all the time.

  • @pfalzgraf7527
    @pfalzgraf7527 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    Fried potatoes are THE BEST!
    Recently at a larger gathering in a restaurant I was flabberghasted when people ordered fries instead of the fried potatoes on the menu. The real fun was when I got my plate with fried potatoes and all the fries-people who saw those (really well done ones) regretted their order of fries ...

    • @ThePerfectRed
      @ThePerfectRed ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Fries vs. fried potatoes is like toast bread vs. rye bread

    • @bryan97908
      @bryan97908 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well done fried potatoes 😌

  • @awildgengxr9021
    @awildgengxr9021 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    can we just take the time to thank books for all they have and all they give. completely invaluable as time goes on.

    • @wendyr435
      @wendyr435 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Agreed! I have re-started buying real books again instead of books online. It just isn't the same as having a real book in your hand and turning the page.

    • @Carz6
      @Carz6 ปีที่แล้ว

  • @MetokursGhost
    @MetokursGhost ปีที่แล้ว +61

    Greetings from The Netherlands!
    Your videos are my comfort food, love the positivity and insight into the past, keep up the good work.

  • @earlshaner4441
    @earlshaner4441 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Good afternoon from Syracuse NY brother and everyone else thank you for sharing your live history videos

    • @townsends
      @townsends  ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Our pleasure!

    • @earlshaner4441
      @earlshaner4441 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Very entertaining and learning history

  • @emazey5044
    @emazey5044 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    Mmmm, potatoes! I went to the market yesterday, got some yellow potatoes, will add some onions and butter beans to the fry mix. And have a magic crust custard pie in the oven to continue with the comfort food theme. Yum! Agree John, on the lack of community. The older I get the more I feel it, especially if health issues come up. Great video as always. 😊

  • @SpanishEclectic
    @SpanishEclectic ปีที่แล้ว +6

    My New York grandmother (first generation child of German Immigrants) used to make something she called a 'Dutch Lunch'. Boiled potatoes lightly mashed with cottage cheese, seasoned with salt and pepper. Add chives if you want go really crazy. So simple, and really tasty. I served it to a friend and she was shocked how good it was. She had a German grandmother too, but had never heard of it. :)

  • @bryanparkhurst17
    @bryanparkhurst17 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Truly a treasure John. Simplicity at it's tastiest.

  • @armyrabb1
    @armyrabb1 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I grew up with fried potatoes, not because we were poor, but because we loved them. Fried with onions and served with white gravy…yowsuh!

  • @dr.froghopper6711
    @dr.froghopper6711 ปีที่แล้ว +124

    My two favorites are straight out of Appalachia. Fried potatoes and sausage gravy is one. Another is pinto beans and cornbread. A third is cornmeal mush. All three will stick to your ribs and keep body and soul intact. They’re poor people food and they are delicious!

    • @cassm395
      @cassm395 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My kids like cornmeal mush!

    • @kounurasaka5590
      @kounurasaka5590 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Fried potatoes were always a staple for any family get together my family had with each other. There was always enough food to go around, but fried potatoes made their way to the table alongside the expensive items like chicken and ham. Excellent side dish (but not great for the waistline!).

    • @krono5el
      @krono5el ปีที่แล้ว

      "rich people food" is just food stolen from the Indigenous and relabeled.

    • @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721
      @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Appalachia knows how to use corn.

    • @teresahiggs4896
      @teresahiggs4896 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That’s where my family settled and have lived since the 1700’s. I love that area of the country, it will always be home to me.
      And I do cook the foods I grew up earring in East Tennessee, Applachia

  • @spicydoge3847
    @spicydoge3847 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    As soon as the recipe came up with "... ,with a grated nutmeg or two" I saw the sparkles in Jon's eyes 😄

  • @danialmeeker7456
    @danialmeeker7456 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The nutmeg commentary reminds me of “king of the hill”. There was an episode where the neighbor was making Peggy’s recipe better. The scene was her trying each dish and simply saying, “add nutmeg”.

  • @51rwyatt
    @51rwyatt ปีที่แล้ว +68

    I wonder if the potatoes in a pit, with a layer of straw/manure/sod, was to create a compost heat to keep the taters unfrozen during winter.

    • @chuckmaxfield7787
      @chuckmaxfield7787 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      That's how they used to make hot beds for the garden. Should the potato pit be below the frostline? Fascinating.

    • @51rwyatt
      @51rwyatt ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@chuckmaxfield7787 Back then and in some northern areas today the frost line is impractically deep, like 6 feet. So maybe they used the "compost" method so they wouldn't have to dig so deep. With rocky ground, you can't really even dig that deep without heavy equipment today.

    • @pattheplanter
      @pattheplanter ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@chuckmaxfield7787 Also how they heated greenhouses for growing pineapples in England all year round. So pretty effective.

    • @vaylonkenadell
      @vaylonkenadell ปีที่แล้ว +4

      The proper term for this preservation technique is "storage clamp". It was intended to keep the root vegetables cool and dry.

    • @pattheplanter
      @pattheplanter ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@vaylonkenadell Isn't a storage clamp mostly above ground? This is the most basic form of root cellar (or earth cellar in Britain), I would think.

  • @SVDBYTHBLD
    @SVDBYTHBLD ปีที่แล้ว +6

    John your delivery and the overall quality of these videos have just gone leaps and bounds and these videos should be archived as these will ALWAYS do for our future generations. You’ve done well with passing these traditions - you are the keeper of the identity of our country. Thank you to you and yours for your service and dedication.

  • @floridaprepper751
    @floridaprepper751 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have a small garden in the back yard. Last saturday, i harvested 25 potato"s from 7 plants. It was my first big harvest. Nothing like fresh mashed potatoes. Great video sir.

  • @kahl4077
    @kahl4077 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    Boiled potatoes, quartered, with sugar sprinkled on them were a pretty common snack in the Korean kindergarten I worked at. I do wonder what the rose water would have done for the flavor, though.

    • @adeemuff
      @adeemuff ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm surprised by the number of comments mentioning sugar on potatoes. Whyyyy? They have so much starch in them already

    • @kahl4077
      @kahl4077 ปีที่แล้ว +31

      @@adeemuff I can only assume it's for the same reason people put icing on sugar cookies.

    • @adeemuff
      @adeemuff ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@kahl4077 fair enough, you got me here 😂 still, sugar on potatoes feels so strange.

    • @ICULooking
      @ICULooking ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@adeemuff why? it's not like potatoes are inherently savory. They taste like the earth

    • @adeemuff
      @adeemuff ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@ICULooking maybe, it's territorial preference. Eastern Europeans aren't fond of potatoes with sugar.

  • @sashasaettele
    @sashasaettele ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I just love to hear about food history and how similar types of food developed in different countries and cultures.
    On first glance humans of different cultures and ethnics seem to also have very different foods… but when you go back a while, you find out that things have kind of the same origin and suddenly we aren‘t so different at all. We‘ve just developed in different directions.
    Here in the bavarian part of Germany we have something very similar to the egg coated fried potatoes - and it‘s even called „Bauerngröstl“ which translates to „farmer‘s fry“.
    We usually make it from leftover boiled potatoes so they don‘t go to waste. Though you can of course make it with freshly boiled potatoes, but since those do contain a lot more moisture than ones from the day before, they don‘t brown that well.
    Slice the boiled potatoes, lightly brown some diced onions in butter, you can add diced bacon or if you like any leftover meat (diced pork, beef ect. or even sausage), then add the potatoes.
    Season with salt, pepper and caraway to taste.
    Brown them over medium to high heat until somewhat crispy brown on the outside, then reduce the heat.
    Beat up a few eggs (just eyeball it for the amount of potatoes you have) and pour the eggs over the potatoes.
    Occasionally stir/flip the potatoes until the egg is cooked through.
    If you actually brown the eggs or just let them set is up to your taste (or the heat of the pan 😅).
    And there you have it - a full, inexpensive and comforting meal from leftover potatoes.
    It‘s one of my go-to comfort foods when the weather is cold and humid and I have leftovers and no idea of what to cook. 😉

  • @flowercatsmeowmeow4744
    @flowercatsmeowmeow4744 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I love your "Monday Messages" series...The world needs more of this...❤

  • @juliegolick
    @juliegolick ปีที่แล้ว +26

    On the topic of large families (or "family units"), I think one of the huge pressures on modern parents is the idea of the "nuclear family." Parents today are expected to do *everything* themselves, whereas in the past you'd have a whole extended family and household to support you. No wonder modern parents are struggling! They're having to take on SO MUCH WORK all by themselves!

    • @ValeriePallaoro
      @ValeriePallaoro ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Agreed. I sometimes wonder (really) whose stooopid idea it was to push the husband/wife and two kids (with dog) family unit. It benefits property development most, because every family unit needs a house, but surely that's not the original idea? However, even The Jetsons, definitely an ad for the nuclear family, had a robot helper. Hmmm, at the same time (ok, I'm just working this through) there came about a lot of technology aimed at making housewives lives easier; stoves, hot water units, toilets, microwaves, vacuums, tv (and tv dinners) but then its hard to see the chicken and the egg. Do we have tv dinners because women needed them and business saw the niche market? Or do we have them because restaurants were too expensive to go to all the time? I see the upswing in America and the advertising of it as a lifestyle to the rest of the world, but ... still, whose idea was this?

    • @Longlius
      @Longlius ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The nuclear family was already well-established in Western Europe and North America by this point (having been the predominant model of family since the 13th century in England). Large intergenerational extended families like those described in the letter would have been rather rare in this period.

    • @bjrneirikstrkersen1021
      @bjrneirikstrkersen1021 ปีที่แล้ว

      And there are so many things and so much work modern families don't have to do

    • @not1word331
      @not1word331 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Also, as new children come along, the older ones can help raise them, and contribute to the family with full work in and around the home. The concept of man-children, and perpetual adolescence, men in their mothers' basements playing video games, has further eroded the value of families.

  • @likkleginger
    @likkleginger ปีที่แล้ว +166

    My Irish family always part boil potatoes before frying. Same with my English family - it comes partly from the texture (very crisp outside, soft inside) and partly as cooked potatoes were everywhere and frying them was a quick way to reheat and add calories.

    • @rettichdergeile9361
      @rettichdergeile9361 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      We do that here in Germany too, it's heavenly. I suggest using some Duck or Bacon fat, it makes them even better

    • @dr.froghopper6711
      @dr.froghopper6711 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@rettichdergeile9361 we use bacon fat for lots of recipes.

    • @Zelmel
      @Zelmel ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I'm in the US and I do it much of the time that I fry potatoes because it cuts down so much on the time (if I'm doing stuff ahead of time) and makes the temperature for frying less critical since it's already cooked through and soft.

    • @Zelmel
      @Zelmel ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ​@@rettichdergeile9361 duck fat and bacon grease are the absolute best things for frying potatoes. So delicious.

    • @banthaexplosion
      @banthaexplosion ปีที่แล้ว +5

      If you try to fry raw taters you end up burning the outside before the inside is cooked.

  • @miraclefarm1927
    @miraclefarm1927 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Love this and will be trying this recipe. Building a community together and depending on each other is so much better than just two people in every house with their selfish ideals.

  • @katashley1031
    @katashley1031 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Just finished a lovely bowl of skinned, boiled potatoes to soothe my tummy and was just saying how comforting it was, lol. The timing! 😂

  • @meganlalli5450
    @meganlalli5450 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Another potato head here.
    This recipe looks like a keeper, and one I shall surely try soon. For the sugar option, which doesn't sound as appealing to me, I'd probably use some maple syrup to pour over. Or maple sugar.
    I grew up in a small town, then moved away and for quite a while lived in a city or suburbia. I'm back to small-town living once again, and there's a sense of community in small towns that's largely absent from cities and suburbia. At least, that's been my experience.
    At the moment, I am blessed with wonderful neighbors. While I wouldn't expect them to grow potatoes with me per se, I know if I need help with something, they will help as they are able, and I do the same for them.

  • @nilo70
    @nilo70 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Cheers from California ! It is Very windy here in the Central Valley, just right to stay home and enjoy another Townsend Episode 😊

  • @12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon
    @12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I can't get enough of this channel. So simple, yet so philosophically important.

  • @amaruqlonewolf3350
    @amaruqlonewolf3350 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Seems like fried potatoes are sort of a universal language when it comes to comfort food.
    I come from a not-so well to do family myself, and ever since childhood, fried potatoes had been something that's rather comforting. No matter where I'll be, fried potatoes remind me of home. Mom's recipe would be to coat the potatoes in red pepper powder and a small pinch of salt, and then slowly fry them on a skillet with vegetable oil for about thirty minutes or so.
    Simple as that, quite delicious.
    It acts as a gateway into nostalgia for me. Thank you for your amazing content, Jon.

  • @Keeperoffyre
    @Keeperoffyre ปีที่แล้ว +7

    fried potatoes until some of them are crispy in the cast iron, then serve them with ketchup drizzled over them. my mema would fix them when she'd make pinto beans and ham with some cornbread to go with them. or, she would make them whenever she made fried catfish (fish sticks for me lol). fond memories of watching her make dinner for us after school (or my pop's breakfast since he worked 3rd shift)

  • @agimagi2158
    @agimagi2158 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Oh this reminds me of a dish the mother of a friend used to make when I was small. We would play outside and she'd bring us potatoes and carrots fried in a sort of eggy pancake batter. Definitely comfort food

  • @alphasierrazulu
    @alphasierrazulu ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thank you for everything you do!

    • @townsends
      @townsends  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You are so welcome!

  • @RemyVorender
    @RemyVorender ปีที่แล้ว +17

    So happy you guys are back to doing more cooking videos mixed with a little backstory. I just wanted you to know that while I'm sure it's old hat for you to make, it's what I love about your channel. Thank you!

  • @RigalicReign
    @RigalicReign ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I got my Mom to cook some fried potatoes the other day, first time we've made em that style in probably a year. I missed them, 100% gonna try this recipe this weekend

  • @chrisphillips9377
    @chrisphillips9377 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Brilliant! Your talent as a historian through food is awesome and makes it feel as if we are connecting with past generations, which in fact we are!

  • @RollerPigg
    @RollerPigg ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This man lives the life we all wish we could.

  • @12thsonofisrael
    @12thsonofisrael ปีที่แล้ว +25

    I love to watch a video made by you about the recovery of the Irish after the potato 🥔 famine. ❤

  • @lukeguy6091
    @lukeguy6091 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Those look a little like "scollops" popular in fish and chip shops in (at least) Manchester, England to this day. I have a mate who loves scollops in a bread bread bun, colloquially known as a "barm" with curry or gravy sauce. He's a food FIEND although he managed to shed a few pounds lately lol.

  • @Jellzorro
    @Jellzorro ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The sugary ones remind me of a Dutch food called 'aardappelkoek'. You make a batter with potatoes and then fry them in a pan. Add sugar right before consumption. Absolutely delicious!

  • @kareningram6093
    @kareningram6093 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Jon: Guys, I swear it's not me. There was already nutmeg in this recipe, I'm just doing what it says. Honest.
    Us: Sure, sure. 😉

  • @jd9119
    @jd9119 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    On cold rainy days, my mom would make fried gizzards and hearts for my brother, sisters and I. A lot of people think they're gross, but they always were something that we all loved. They don't cost very much either, but finding supermarkets that carry them can be difficult. Same with pig's hooves.

  • @taikaperhonen6484
    @taikaperhonen6484 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have a fun story about potatoes that my boyfriend told me. I don't remember some of the details, but this happened somewhere, sometime in Germany. A king saw the value of potatoes for his people, but they weren't interested since above ground, the potato plant doesn't look that interesting. So, after a bit of thinking, the king devised a plan. He ordered one of his farmers to plant this boring crop. Once that had been done and the potatoes had started to grow, he stationed guards around the field that were under orders not to stop anybody from entering the field and taking some crops. The presence of the guards piqued the peoples interest. "Something very precious must be growing on that field, why else would the guards be there?" they thought. So, some snuck by the guards, dug up some of the potatoes and took them home, where they were cooked and eaten. Due to the perceived value by the public and the fact that they provide an easy and filling meal, the potato became incredibly popular and soon other farmers started growing them too. Thus, the king's plan had succeeded.

    • @Yesica1993
      @Yesica1993 ปีที่แล้ว

      Love it!

    • @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721
      @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep, that's a story about Frederick the Great. It's probably apocryphal, but it's a fun story.

    • @olenickel6013
      @olenickel6013 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721It's most definitely apocryphal, since the same story is told about a number of different European rulers!

  • @michaelthayer5351
    @michaelthayer5351 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Another thing to add to the eggs would be fresh herbs, like dill, parsley, or whatever else you have.
    This seems like a recipe that substitutes potatoes for bread. We often think of French toast (or bread soaked in egg) as a sweet breakfast dish. But going back thousands of years when you had bread that went stale many would soak it in egg or simply toast it over a fire. And I must say, savory French toast, with herbs, or cheese or ham or both on top is splendid and the recipe would likely be just as good with potatoes.

  • @SoulisStar
    @SoulisStar ปีที่แล้ว

    I love your videos. From the content of each video to the filming and framing of your shots. But most of all your exuberance about what you talk about is wonderful

  • @sandrataylor3723
    @sandrataylor3723 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    LOL...as I was watching this, I chuckled because I had just eaten a plate of smothered potatoes and onions. Love my potatoes!

  • @lenatownsend9070
    @lenatownsend9070 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are a gem. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and light with the world. ❤😊

  • @kamonic6571
    @kamonic6571 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've never been so early in my life. Thanks for the video! Who doesn't love potatoes!?

  • @HoldeHexe74
    @HoldeHexe74 ปีที่แล้ว

    For four years your videos have accompanied my stories! I love getting tips or just seeing how my characters must have lived in the 18th century. I am always thrilled how inspiring these videos are for me.
    THANK YOU! 😊😊

  • @knightofastora1324
    @knightofastora1324 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I always fry my eggs and potatoes seperately for the exact reason you mentioned.
    Boiling them before slicing so you can coat them with the eggs and fry it all at once into a patty is a little convuleted imo, but it does (kinda) make it into finger food which could have its merits for a blue collar man I guess

  • @mooham8762
    @mooham8762 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Isnt it amazing, the most incredible ingredients yet one of the chespest. Potato, we salute you!!!

  • @werecatauthor4249
    @werecatauthor4249 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As a young guy having moved out for the first time with very little cooking skills, videos like this help out a lot

  • @lexington476
    @lexington476 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just bought a bunch of seed potatoes this past weekend for my garden. I love growing potatoes.

  • @jenniferpingleton8389
    @jenniferpingleton8389 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Grew up on these, pinto beans, and cornbread! Can you tell im from Appalachia?😂

    • @nilo70
      @nilo70 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My folks fed us the same here in California when I was a kid. I Always liked the meals my mother made for us. How about “Chow chow” and pickel lily ?😊

  • @janjkey
    @janjkey ปีที่แล้ว

    Man I hope this comfort food series continues. Amazing

  • @thundercat8601
    @thundercat8601 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    I grew up with potato pancakes sprinkled with sugar, along with a side dish of sausages. Can't think of a better nostalgia meal.

    • @adedow1333
      @adedow1333 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That sounds so amazing

    • @adeemuff
      @adeemuff ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I can't imagine eating sweetened potatoes and sausages which are supposed to have a savoury taste.

    • @constructionbootgazer
      @constructionbootgazer ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@adeemuff the sugar definitely seems a little bit strange, but yet, I love when my hash browns get some accidental maple syrup on them (when eating French toast/waffles/pancakes)

    • @adeemuff
      @adeemuff ปีที่แล้ว

      @@constructionbootgazer looks like you've given me a reason to try it out! Thanks !

    • @singerredeye6639
      @singerredeye6639 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@adeemuff Look up potato candy and needhams. Both candies are made with boiled and mashed potato. The potato acts as a filler and takes on the taste of the other ingredients.

  • @mkodweis
    @mkodweis 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I grew up with fried potatoes because my grandparents lived through the Depression and both World Wars and said it was filling and was especially good if they were able to find herb (in the wild) or a precious chicken egg! Thank you so much for all of your videos. It is great to see what you find in receipt books and literature and bring it forward to the 21st century.

  • @eloisebennett1673
    @eloisebennett1673 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Growing up, we only made fried potatoes from leftover boiled potatoes. With sliced onions, or throw an egg on it once crispy.

  • @krisb8781
    @krisb8781 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You know why I like this guy? I fell in love with his channel since the first episode I watched. Calm almost therapeutic episodes with no drama. Very good content.

  • @animequeen78
    @animequeen78 ปีที่แล้ว

    Videos like this actually give me ideas for frugal cooking.

  • @danielowens9295
    @danielowens9295 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Egg in a Cup is my comfort food,as far as I’m aware it’s quite an old “dish” perhaps Victorian or Georgian… still fairly popular here in Dublin! All you do is get a cup with two soft boiled eggs, then break up a slice of slightly stale bread into tiny pieces add a knob of butter and plenty of salt. Then mix together, not too much or you end up with a paste just enough so you get a bit of everything in each spoonful 👍🏼

  • @mp_mia7989
    @mp_mia7989 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is the greatest channel ever! May God Bless You and All That You Love.

    • @mp_mia7989
      @mp_mia7989 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Townsend10 idk how to do that but I'd love to converse with you Brother 👍

    • @mp_mia7989
      @mp_mia7989 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nevermind scammer!!!!!

  • @TheAldocaro
    @TheAldocaro ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I can’t even imagine how people in the old world survived before potatoes arrived there.

    • @OffRampTourist
      @OffRampTourist ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think they ate a lot of turnips and/or parsnips and/or beets but I'm not excited about any of those. Potatoes and sweet potatoes flavors are much preferable and the choice of creamy or crunchy cinches the deal.

    • @xTruncz
      @xTruncz ปีที่แล้ว

      Bread

  • @Ernescme
    @Ernescme ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Reminds me of a simple recipe I like to cook time to time - cut in small pieces boiled potatoes from yesterday and fry on a pan. When potatoes are turning golden, just add some eggs and mix in. If you want to be fancy, you can even add some smoked meat or sausage and even scallions.

    • @mrdanforth3744
      @mrdanforth3744 ปีที่แล้ว

      In our house it was potatoes eggs and onions

  • @royeckhardt9016
    @royeckhardt9016 ปีที่แล้ว

    Par-cooking potatoes for purposes like this quickly became a go-to for me last summer when I was in Idaho. I didn't have a ton of active time to spare, so parboiling or microwaving and then finishing them in a pan was really convenient. It's also minor, but depending on when you do that, you can either let them firm up by cooling or cut into them while hot so that some of the starch/potato flesh coats the rest of the larger pieces which ends up adding a bit of a unique quality.

  • @internetcatfish
    @internetcatfish ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You mentioned books about small, self-sufficient family farms. What are they called and where would one acquire copies of them? Its an interesting subject to explore, especially since society depends so heavily on people being able to get goods and services from other people. More importantly, it may become useful to know about ways to have a family or a small community exist as a self-sufficient colony that does not rely upon the outside world for its necessities. Considering the way the economy and society in general is going, we might not have any choice but return to such a lifestyle in the relatively near future.

  • @dianebondhus9355
    @dianebondhus9355 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Are you sure you didn't go searching for a recipe with nutmeg Jon? 😉😂
    Great video 🎉

  • @ChevalierdeJohnstone
    @ChevalierdeJohnstone ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Potatoes became popular in Europe as a necessity during the 30 Years War. The grain crops would get taken or destroyed by marauding armies, but since the potato tuber is underground, they survived. That’s why they start showing up in cuisine around 1650. They always had a reputation as “poor people food”.
    Sir Walter Raleigh brought them over to England, originally, but they were just a novelty item grown in very few gardens until the mid 17th century.
    Earlier “potato” recipes from Italy and so on refer to sweet potato, not the regular potato.

  • @trevorus
    @trevorus ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Is it just me, or in Jon the Bob Ross of historical reenacting? I love this channel, and I hope to make the pilgrimage to the shop one was l day.

  • @rhysodunloe2463
    @rhysodunloe2463 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I will definitely give this a try.
    My favourite comfort food is just as simple: boiled potatoes with sour cream.
    My German granny made that on very warm summer days, when she couldn't be bothered to stand next to the hot stove all the time.
    But her recipe is a bit different than American ones because she uses other dairy products. Namely quark, a specific type of dairy that is somewhere between sour cream and curd cheese and hard to get in mpst of the US.
    She then mixes that quark with single cream and adds salt, pepper and - of course - nutmeg.
    It's so simple and fast to make. If there's any leftover it's also great as a spread for breakfast and you can put any fresh herbs, onions or vegetables in it.
    And on very hot days I let the boiled potatoes cool completely - sometimes even in the fridge - before eating.
    And on very cold days: Palatinate Potato Soup.
    Peeled and diced potatoes are cooked alongside diced soup green (that's a bundle of vegetables you can buy in any German supermarket or greengrocer - some carrots, a half or quarter celery root, leek and a bit of parsley). When the vegetables are soft you pass the soup through a sieve or blend it, then add some cream and season to taste with salt, pepper and marjoram.

  • @williamstewart1883
    @williamstewart1883 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My family has always made potatoes and eggs. Pan fry the potatoes until they are almost done, then add in the well beaten eggs. Finish cooking. Salt and pepper to taste.

  • @jacobh1833
    @jacobh1833 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm glad just how aware he is about the surprise character every episode, nutmeg.

  • @rubenskiii
    @rubenskiii ปีที่แล้ว

    Did some plowing yesterday to prepare the small patch in my garden for spring, came across a number of potatoes i missed last harvest, they where in edible condition, looked like they where put there yesterday!
    Potatoes are extremely resilient and almost always give return on investment: every year i can harvest more potatoes then last, and then i can plant more, they also get stronger every year: the plants that get sick, are seceptible to rots and bugs die of, and the strongest ones live. I am in my 3th year now and without spending a single penny on them or even much manual labour i had no problems with rot and critters last harvest, and none of the ones i found left in the ground was affected by rot either. Amazing crop.

  • @IamTheaveragegamer
    @IamTheaveragegamer ปีที่แล้ว

    These videos are increasingly important as time goes on because of how things may change in the world and in our country. A simple life of farming and living off that bounty may be more common. And receives like this open the window to how they lived then.

  • @paulbeck71
    @paulbeck71 ปีที่แล้ว

    Growing up in the South Wales valleys the local fish and chip shop would sell potato fritters: a large slice of potato (par-boiled) with a thin layer of stuffing (no meat) covered over in batter and then deep fried. It's easy to see from your recipe how this one would have evolved. More great research and an excellent recipe to pick.

  • @crome2sniper
    @crome2sniper ปีที่แล้ว +4

    How amazing could it have been if that family had figured out you can use potato starch to make bread !

  • @TheMosinCrate
    @TheMosinCrate ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Your videos are comfort food. Love the music and setting. Can watch and get lost in another time. (Sorry for being corny.)

  • @leehayes4019
    @leehayes4019 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Mmm fried potatoes and some cool history!
    Thanks!

  • @karenfitzpatrick6256
    @karenfitzpatrick6256 ปีที่แล้ว

    My grandmother was born in 1899 in her Amish/Mennonite grandfather's home in a tiny village in upstate NY. One of the potato recipes she made a lot for us was fried potatoes, served as a side dish with meat main such as pork chops and applesauce. Raw potatoes were sliced thin and cook in leftover bacon fat until lightly browned and crisp. Then sprinkled with salt. Similar to the french fries of today, but much better tasting.

  • @samanthanickson6478
    @samanthanickson6478 ปีที่แล้ว

    this actually looks good. combining the potato with the egg then fry - it’s a winner.

  • @ceciliajones7816
    @ceciliajones7816 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow. That’s a LOT of a very powerful spice!

  • @mykolatkachuk7770
    @mykolatkachuk7770 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Our family survived on potatoes through a great deal of 1990s in a post-soviet Ukraine. Refried boiled potatoes was the dish I leared to coock myself very early in my life. We also got unrefined sunflower oil from the same garden.
    But I wouldn't advise this diet for a extensive period. So carbs heavy menu may cause diabetis and other health issues.

  • @peter-fuppe-fuchs
    @peter-fuppe-fuchs ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nutmeg is one of the best seasoning there is.... Just love it

  • @mikemiller209
    @mikemiller209 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great information on the potato, I've grown them for 15 years in my garden you never know what the crop will produce that year so plant extra . Going to try a late season container crop in the greenhouse this year for extra seed in the spring.

  • @sststr
    @sststr ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Michaelmas... The only reason I know about that holiday at all is last year I stumbled across a comedy skit by Alasdair Beckett-King entitled "The Nightmare Before Michaelmas". Which is here on youtube, and despite the name is very mild. He's British, so it's the dry and subtle humor. Only 75 seconds long, it's worth a watch.

  • @robyndavis3043
    @robyndavis3043 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wishing y’all a happy and healthy Easter

  • @Noonespecial237
    @Noonespecial237 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always find your Channel fascinating. The nutmeg talk was an added smile..

  • @MelancoliaI
    @MelancoliaI ปีที่แล้ว

    You have to respect a man who makes painstakingly accurate historical cooking videos just in order to satisfy his nutmeg Jones.

  • @Mark-nh2hs
    @Mark-nh2hs ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Mace was a popular spice back in the 17th Century. When I do potatoes I always add a pinch of Mace and Nutmeg to them lol