Smash Roasted Potatoes for College

-- The Story --

I was going to college for the first time in the year 2014 and it would be my first time living away from home, which is a pretty nerve-wracking time for anyone. For me, it was both exciting but also something that would shake my nerves a bit. Fortunately, I had my family to move me in and to believe in me. On top of that, a relative and grand uncle of mine who was old enough to have served in World War II made me some delicious food for college: some delicious mashed roasted potatoes!

-- Recipe --

The great thing about the recipe for smashed roasted potatoes is that it only requires three ingredients to make this food. Just three! It might not seem like much, but that is the nice thing about this particular dish: it does not take much to create this dish other than a few items, some basic culinary skills, and a desire to make something yummy for someone you love! I guess you technically do not need that last thing, but it honestly helps and I would recommend it! Anyway, you simply need to get potatoes, some marinara sauce like the kind you would put on a nice pizza pie or plate of spaghetti, and some nice shredded mozzarella cheese. Once you have all of those, it is time to get in the kitchen and get started with the actual recipe:

- First, you need to preheat an oven to around four hundred twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Then get a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat that with some nonstick cooking spray (or butter if you want to go with a fattier, old-school option for this part of the dish. Again, that is up to you!).

- Second, you should get at least four of your potatoes when getting started with the dish. Take each of the potatoes and prick them all over with a fork. Then, put the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them on High for about ten minutes or heat them on the stove for about fifteen minutes (or until they get soft).

- Once all of the potatoes are nice and soft, place them on the baking sheet and let them cool. Then, with a spatula or a large fork, gently smash the potatoes and flatten them until all four of them are each about half an inch thick. Then, drizzle each of them with one tablespoon of olive oil before covering each of them with a dash of salt and a hint of pepper. After that, you can use your oven in order to roast the spuds for twenty minutes.

- Finally, take the potatoes and evenly top all four of them with one-half of a cup of marinara sauce. Then, spread a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each of the four cooked potatoes. Now, for one last time, bake your tasty food until the cheese is melted & golden, which should take between eight to ten minutes.

- And that is it. After that, you have your recipe. The food is traditionally something that can be enjoyed by plenty of people and can be considered pretty delicious. Plus, it is plant-based and vegan, so if you are someone who does not eat meat, it is a great dish for you to have.

-- Affirmation --

To the next person who wishes to create this dish, I have only this to say: change can be scary, but it can be awesome! Enjoy it, but also prepare simple foods like this and enjoy & remember the simple things, no matter what adventure you go on!