Boxty (Potato Griddle Cakes)

Boxty on the griddle,
Boxty in the pan,
If you can’t make boxty,
You’ll never get a man.

Boxty on the griddle,
Boxty in the pan,
The wee one in the middle,
That’s the one for Mary Anne.

(Traditional Irish Rhyme)

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound raw potatoes
• 1/2 pound mashed potatoes, cooked*
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 pound all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• Milk

Instructions

1. Grate raw potatoes. Stir into mashed potatoes. Add salt, pepper and flour.
2. Beat egg and add just enough milk to make a batter that will drop from a spoon. Drop by tablespoonsful onto a hot griddle or skillet.
3. Cook over moderate heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
4. Serve with applesauce, if desired.

Notes

* Rice or mash the potatoes very well until there are no lumps. (Ricing is really the best way to go with these, as it helps keep the texture of the potato cakes light.) I prefer using my ricer.