Westminster Chimes & Aunt Vida's Whole Fried Potatoes

What are the sounds and aromas that conjure up happy memories for you? Just let me roast a chicken, fry potatoes, and hear Westminster chimes from our mantel clock and I'm transported back to the Victorian house where my Great Aunt Vida & Great Uncle Jimmy lived. Sadly, Uncle Jimmy's been gone for a long time. Aunt Vida turned 104 years old this year. She taught 3rd grade Sunday school for 70 years and worked alongside her husband in their photography studio. She never had children but she had lots of toys and games for me to play with when I visited. She was a great cook, too. See her recipe for Whole Fried Potatoes below.

This isn't her clock but it has the same chime, and that's what counts. Every time it rings, I get all warm and fuzzy....and happy...inside. :-) 

(You can click on the link HERE to hear the Westminster chimes.) 

Howard Miller Barrister Mantel Clock with Windsor Chimes

Whole Fried Potatoes

Russet (baking) potatoes, about one per person, scrubbed and peeled
Cold water as needed
Small dab of butter
Salt as needed
Crisco shortening as needed

Cut potatoes into 1 1/2 inch pieces (approx.), place in saucepan with cold water to cover. Add a teaspoon of salt and a small dab of butter to keep the water from foaming. Bring to a boil, cover, lower heat and simmer till almost fork-tender. Drain well and spread out on cookie sheet to dry. At this point, you can hold the potatoes at room temperature to finish later.

In cast iron skillet (or other heavy skillet), melt shortening over medium hight heat until shimmering. Carefully add cooked potatoes to pan, but do not crowd. Adjust heat to medium. Do not cover pan. Using a fork or tongs, turn each potato piece as it gets golden brown and crispy. Every side of each potato piece should be golden brown. Add more shortening as needed; it should be about 1/4 inch deep in the pan. Remove finished potato pieces to platter and keep in warm oven till you have them all cooked. Salt to taste and serve immediately. Pass the ketchup!

With love, from me to you.