In my very first blog, I mentioned that I’m still learning, and this experience was a testament to my lack of skill using and slight fear of hot frying oil. I spent 45 minutes grating potatoes for Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Tater Tots (recipe at Heather’s Dish and major props to Heather for the amazing idea). The grating was not quite as easy as I thought it would be but was justified by the hardcore arm workout. Once the potatoes were grated, mixed with flour and goat cheese, and formed into tot shapes, I dropped them into the hot HOT oil. I must have overcompensated for my fear of hot oil by putting the burner on high heat. The tots browned immediately but the insides weren’t quite cooked all the way. I turned the heat down and the first small test batch survived and was delicious. Before putting in the rest of the tots, I added more oil to ensure it was cooler. Well, this time around it was too cool and the tots turned into mush in a greasy oil bath. After 45 minutes of grating potatoes, I was devastated. But, as Alasdair said, every new dish is a learning experience, and maybe next time I’ll use that kitchen thermometer that I still haven’t opened…

TIP: USE A KITCHEN THERMOMETER WHEN FRYING!