I can’t believe how much I’ve come to rely on this blog and on being in the kitchen. Life is not being kind at the moment and a couple of days ago I assumed I’d be taking a break from blogging for a few weeks. Just didn’t think I’d have the inclination or energy to cook or post or read. But in fact, the opposite has been true. Planning and cooking simple meals has helped me both relax and feel useful, whilst grabbing five minutes to check in with this blog or read yours has cheered me up.
Thank you. 🙂
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The following technique for making potato wedges was discovered entirely by accident. One evening I had planned on having a simple baked potato with cheddar cheese for dinner. The tattie was baked and on a plate ready to be sliced open and sprinkled with cheese when suddenly the phone rang. It was Sarah and, my goodness!, did she have gossip. An hour or more went by sitting on the sofa ooooh-ing and ahhhh-ing at all the news before my rumbling stomach forced me off the phone and back into the kitchen to salvage my dinner. These wedges were the result and I wouldn’t make them any other way now.
Potato Wedges
1 large floury potato per person
Salt
Olive oil
Paprika
Cayenne pepper
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Wet the potatoes and rub with salt. Prick with a fork and bake in a 200oC oven for 45mins or until almost cooked through.
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Remove from oven and leave to cool slightly or completely. This part could be done a day or so in advance.
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Slice the potatoes into 8 wedges. Place on a baking tray, brush with olive oil and sprinke with a little paprika and cayenne.
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Roast in a 200oC oven until golden, approximately 20 minutes.
A Wee Bit of Cooking 
Good thoughts to you and your family.
I have never met a potato I didn’t like Wendy..very comforting on a day like today. Hope all is well 😀
Wishing all the very best to you and your family Wendy.
I just adore the look of your Potato Wedges – yum 😀
Rosie x
Wendy, these spuds would make you an Honourary Irish Lass…fab job and i’ll have to try this method.
Hope everything goes well for you.
Just discovered your blog – how lovely it is too! Love potato wedges…especially if the paprika is the Spanish smoked pimenton.
Wendy, I hope things improve soon … glad that the simple rhythms of daily life are helping you through your dark days.
Very best wishes
Joanna
I hope that life starts getting on a more even keel and that your family can rely on each other to get yourselves through touch times. Lovely looking wedges, and glad the simple things are bringing you pleasure.
I am sending you hugs, Wendy!
sorry to hear that things not all good – but best wishes to you and your family in dealing with difficult times
the wedges look like great comfort food and I am glad you are still having some respite and relaxation in the kitchen and on the blog – a little selfishly as I enjoy your posts. But also it is nice to hear it helps you too – I have found great comfort in cooking and blogging in low times and glad you can also!
Great wedges Wendy. What an excellent idea to make them from baked potatoes. And best wishes to you. Food and cooking can be a great reliever at the end of the day. Spending some calm time in the kitchen, looking after yourself by preparing a meal. I find it such a good way to unwind and clear my head.
Darls, hope everything is okay.
Put me in the kitchen in any crisis and I am calm and useful, just as you suggest. Cooking (and blogging, I suppose) provide you with a focus.
Top wedges – just what I feel like.
XXX
Hang in there, friend. I wish you good things.
Wendy, I do hope that things start to improve for you and your family soon. I also find that time spent gently pottering in the kitchen can be a great comforter at difficult times.
I have, by the way, awarded you with the ‘Nice Matters’ blog award – do see below – don’t feel you have to display it but I hope it shows how much we all enjoy your writing, inspiring recipes and wonderful pictures…
http://foodgloriousfood-toto.blogspot.com/2008/02/happy-valentines-day-nice-matters.html
Hi Wendy
Don’t worry too much. Whatever it is that is getting you down will sort itself. I went through a similar period last month where I felt completely uninspired and outside ‘things’ were affecting me. Keep it simple and seek solace through your love of food, thats exactly what I do.
x
Sorry to hear that life isn’t much fun at the moment 😦
A bit of cooking and a nice dinner can be very therapeutic – and even better if you can persuade somebody else to do the shopping.
Now make sure that you look after yourself!
Sometimes a good potato is all you need to feel a little better. Sending some sunshine your way, Susan.
Want to say thank you too you all for being so very supportive. It means an enormous amount to me.
Mainyacha – thank you so much.
Valli – Thank you for the support. Do you like even the greenish ones? 😉
Rosie – Thank you so much too.
Peter – Do! They are great.
Su Lin – Welcome! Look forward to exploring your blog too.
Johanna – Thank you. That means a lot.
Annemarie – Thank you. Wishing for that too.
Holler – Hugs are much appreciated!
Kathryn – I almost feel selfish cooking for everyone. Have to remind myself I’m doing something necessary.
Lucy – It’s really not but seriously, this helps and you help. 🙂
Christina – Right back at you, friend.
Antonia – I saw that – Thank you so much. Will most definitely display it very soon.
David – Thank you. It’s almost odd how much food helps.
Sophie – Thank you for the kind words. I’m eating well at least!
Susan – Thank you. Potatoes in pretty much any form are comforting, don’t you think?
Hope you’re feeling better soon. Those wedges look seriously good.
This original thought by my friend Marie always cheers me when I’m feeling blue – hope it brings a smile to you too Wendy. Place by your beautiful photo of the blueberries….
“He was just a wee blue berry. The doctor said if he rose early every morning, exercised, ate well and took one those wee tablets, he wouldn’t be a blue berry anymore”
Hugs.
wendy,
Life can be so hectic these days, for all of us. I have to make a real effort to make myself relax and chill out.
I find just sitting at the laptop and blogging very stress relieiving and after reading all your posts and others on wordpress it lifts me and motivates me.
I have just been reading a great book, creative visualisation, there is a fab simple technique in there that really works, its called the pink bubble technique. I will post it on ppp for you this afternoon
p.s your wedges look great, wish I could pop round for tea xx
Kazari – Thank you so much.
Helen – Can’t stop thinking about the “blue berry”… 🙂
Megan – Will most definitely check that out very soon. Thank you.
I just ran across your blog and I love it! Winston is so handsome, your potato wedges sound yummy, your photos are beautiful, and I’m fond of anything Scottish. I’ve spent time in Glasgow and on the Isle of Mull (my daughter went to school at the U of Glasgow). Lovely, lovely place.
Cheers,
Melissa
Melissa – Thank you! I’ve never been to Mull, actually. Must go this year. 🙂
Potatoes aren’t known as “comfort” food for nothing, I suppose.
Roasted potato wedges are the one thing I make that my kids practically weep for.
Karen – When made properly, they really are to die for. 🙂