Calcannon – a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes

As you know, I’m not a big fan of “transforming” leftovers into something else; however, some recipes are quick and easy when you have leftovers on hand.

Collective Bias asked for submissions to its Family Meals Dummies Guide to Leftovers, and since I had some mashed potatoes in the refrigerator, I knew it was a great opportunity to make calcannon.

Note: You can see my shopping Whrrl here.

You can find versions of this recipe all over; according to Wikipedia, “Colcannon (Irish: cál ceannann, meaning “white-headed cabbage”) is a traditional Irish dish mainly consisting of mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage.”

All you need are the following:

• Leftover mashed potatoes  (I used purple potatoes)

• Butter (such as Parkay)

• Cream (milk works fine too)

• Bacon or ham

• Onion or leeks

• Kale or cabbage (or other cooking greens; this recipe is pretty flexible as you can see!)

Step 1: Fry the bacon or warm up the ham in a large frying pan; add the onion and saute’ until soft.

Step 2: Meanwhile, reheat the mashed potatoes, adding cream and butter to make a nice creamy consistency.

Step 3: Add chopped kale or cabbage (as much as you want, but remember greens cook down quite a bit) to the frying pan.

Step 4: Add the mashed potatoes to the frying pan and mix all together.

Isn’t that easy peasy?

The Verdict: Very tasty comfort food. DH added garlic, salt, pepper, and cheese to his.

Note: I was compensated by Collective Bias, but all opinions are my own

This post also shared at Monday Mania, the Ultimate Recipe Swap, Third Annual Bloggy Progressive Dinner, and Pennywise Platter Thursday