Applegate’s first law of mashed potato

20 July 2005

You can never have too much mashed potato.

After finishing dinner today, I’ve realised that every time I have mashed potato (which isn’t that often, I hasten to add, spuds are always more of a chore to prepare than rice or pasta), I am preparing larger and larger portions. And then after the meal, when I am all done, I will head back to the pan I mashed them in and scrape out what’s left. No matter how much I make, I am never sated. It’s quite worrying, really – mashed potato is one of those foods that tastes absolutely delicious (especially with a dab of pesto, or some fried shallots or spring onions, mixed in) and yet doesn’t make me feel that full. I’m getting worried now – especially as I know if I made chips out of so many potatoes and then ate them I’d probably drop dead on the spot.

To top it off, I’ve just remembered have a box of instant mash in the cupboard for emergencies, and now I have a terrifying image of me making a midnight dash and guzzling half the packet, before suddenly feeling terribly, terribly ashamed. Hmm. Might have to go for a brisk walk to clear my head…

 

«
»

4 Responses

been broken

Try mashing spuds with plenty of extra virgin olive oil, a dollop of yougurt, and some horseradish sauce. Heaven.

sodajerk

resist the Smash……….that is the Crack of mash…..a long and slippery slope beckons.

stay with the mash……..you know it makes sense.

tom

Peoria (n.): The fear of peeling too few potatoes.

- The Meaning of Liff, D. Adams & J. Lloyd

I think this is very relevant to all of us in these troubled times.

adrian

As well as the temptation to eat larger portions, I’ve also noticed that mashed potato seems to need a larger quantity of potatoes to create a “portion” than if they were boiled or fried. Ah well, I’m sure they’ll have decided carbohydrates are good for us again by next week…