Potato Picnic

It was way too cold for far too long. The only remedy? An I’m-Sick-of-Winter Picnic.

The picnic lore goes way back. In college, Tenley’s friend Clara initiated her: during the last snowstorm of the season, when you’re going out of your mind, put on summer clothes and throw a picnic on your living room floor.

This spin on the party introduces potatoes, the ultimate winter comfort food.
It couldn’t be easier: poke a few taters with a fork, pop in the microwave for 10 minutes (rotating halfway through) and top with reckless abandon. Your cold hands deserve some hot potato.

Suggested toppings: Cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and green onion.

Wow your guests with potato ambiance.

For a serving table decor to rival Martha Stewart, arrange raw potatoes on an attractive platter. The messy topping stage is best handled on a hard surface, but it’s your life—arrange toppings on the floor if you prefer.
To take the meal off-table, spread a cozy, washable blanket on your floor and dig in!

Look, you could stop there and have a very satisfying party. But if you want to go all out?
Potato Ice Cream.

Not potato flavored, mind you. Take a cue from the queen of Semi-Handmade, Sandra Lee, and gussy up vanilla ice cream in potato’s clothing. To make: cut the carton off of a pint of vanilla ice cream. Roll up the log in plastic wrap, using your hands’ natural warmth to shape into a rounded lump. Freeze. Once solidified, coat liberally in cocoa powder and transfer to serving dish. Right before serving, top with whipped cream and a pat of “butter” (Lee recommends freezing lemon icing in a butter mold for this, but we simply mixed tumeric and ice cream in a small dish, froze, and then sliced a square to serve).

Tips to Throw A Potato Picnic:
1. Buy Potatoes in Bulk
2. Go Heavy on the Toppings
3. Sit on the Floor

Want to level up your dessert skills?

Learn proper potato ice cream technique from the pro herself: video instructions.