Food

Beyond the Menu: How Potato University Can Help Operators Succeed

Photograph: Shutterstock

By now, operators understand the importance and benefits of using versatile ingredients across their menu. Using versatile ingredients is economically advantageous and great for keeping menu variety high. But even if they already know that, operators may still at times feel a little burnt out when it comes to recipe inspiration or coming up with ways to use a certain ingredient to its fullest potential.

Potatoes, perfect for the appetizer menu, sides and even as part of entrees, offer an array of benefits—nutritional, economic and more. But for operators who aren’t feeling particularly inspired, there’s help on the way. Potatoes USA has launched a new complimentary, online curriculum on Potato University.

In many other areas of life, taking a class to learn more about something can be pivotal. The same can be said for learning more about potatoes.

Why learn more about potatoes?

Potatoes are the perfect ingredient to expand the menu. Whether loaded up with toppings and served as loaded fries; baked and dressed with butter, sour cream and chives as a luxurious and comforting side dish; or mashed and used as a perch for individually portioned meat loaf—and that’s just a few ideas!—potatoes are a crowd pleaser. They’re easily adaptable for vegetarian and other specialized diets, their nutritional profile is exceptional and, most of all, they’re easy to prepare, which means no added stress on the back of the house.

But even the most beloved recipes can feel a little routine after a while, which is why it’s important for operators to keep the menu fresh. Potatoes USA’s complimentary online curriculum, Potato University, is designed for busy foodservice professionals who want to learn more about how to incorporate all types of potatoes—from fresh, to frozen, to dehydrated—into the menu. These classes are an excellent resource packed with valuable potato insights, and they can be taken any time at one’s own pace. Operators, cooks and more can learn about how to prepare potatoes perfectly—mastering the basics, discovering new techniques and more.

Benefits beyond the menu

Beyond learning more about the best ways to serve potatoes, these classes give operators and foodservice professionals the chance to earn ACF and RCA accreditation hours. Increasing potato knowledge and earning CEU credits at the same time—what’s not to love?

Potato University gives operators the boost they need to succeed with potatoes. From recipe inspiration to preparation tips, having a grasp on the best ways to use an ingredient gives operators the edge they need this year—a time when creativity will pay off. What’s more, the knowledge gained will help operators make the most of their facilities, streamlining prep and expanding menu variety with little effort.

To learn more about these complimentary potato courses, visit PotatoUniversity.com.

This post is sponsored by Potatoes USA

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