Bacon Mashed Potato Cakes

You can use leftover mashed potatoes for this.  About 4 cups of mashed potatoes.  If you are using leftover  potatoes, just add the spices, cheese, and bacon and follow the directions starting with "divide the potatoes into 8 equal parts".

BACON MASHED POTATO CAKES

(makes 8)

Ingredients:

*1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

* 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes 

*1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

*1 large egg yolk

*2 tablespoons butter

*1/4 cup milk

* 2 teaspoons dried chives

*1 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2-2/3 cup all-purpose flour 

*1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

*1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

~Boil potatoes until fork tender.

~Drain liquid and allow potatoes to sit for about 4-5 minutes.

~Place hot potatoes into a large bowl.

~Add Parmesan Cheese, egg yolk, butter, milk, dried chives, salt & pepper and mash until smooth.

~Fold in bacon.

~Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

~Remove mashed potatoes from refrigerator and stir in flour (start with 1/4 cup, add more if it's hard to form a Pattie with the mashes potatoes).

~Divide the potatoes into 8 equal parts.

~Set aside onto a plate.

~In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat up olive oil and butter, stirring until butter is melted.

~Place patties into hot skillet (don't over crowd) and fry until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).

~Flip and fry the other side until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).

~Serve, with a dollop of sour cream.