Russet Potatoes
Commonly known as the Idaho potato, the russet potato has low moisture but high starch content, which results in a lovely, floury texture when baked. The russet potato is long, slightly rounded, with a course brown skin with many eyes. The russet potato is available year-round

Selection & Storage
Select russet potatoes with no soft spots, cracks, or withering. If the "eyes" have sprouted or if the skin has a greenish tinge, DO NOT buy it. Greenish skin means the potato was exposed to bright light too long.

Store in a cool (50 degrees F to 55 F), dark place for up to two weeks.

Preparation
Scrub each russet potato well with a vegetable brush in a bowl and pan full of water with a few drops of a vegetable wash.

Baked Potatoes
Dry excess moisture off and prick each potato with a fork several times. Bake at 425 degrees F for 40 to 55 minutes, until tender when a sharp pointed knife is inserted.

For the best results in baking potatoes, do not wrap them in aluminum foil, or the end results will be a steamed-wet potato flesh.

Mashed Potatoes
If you are making mashed potatoes, use baked russets to achieve the richest possible texture for the dish.

Chives
Chives are related to the onion and the leek and it has delicate, hollow stalks that resemble grass blades and taste like a mild onion. If you grow your own chives, the pretty lavender flower that it produces are also edible. Chives are available year-round in most grocery stores.

Selection & Storage
Choose chives with a uniform green color and show no sign of yellowing, browning or wilting. Chives can be kept in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are best when used immediately... great to have them growing in a personal herb garden.

Preparation
Rinse chives and dry on a paper towel. Snip with scissors to desired lengths. Do not chop chives or they will become bruised. To experience the best flavor of chives, add to the dish just before serving.