Poor Man's Feast

Growing up, it seemed as if my steelworker-father was always laid off from work, on strike, or off due to injury. I won't hand my mother many kudos, but I will say she could make a penny scream keeping us all well-fed.

This was a favorite standby in our house, and was known as Poor Man's Feast. It's VERY filling!

• 6-8 good-sized Idaho Potatoes
• 1lb. smoked sausage
• Misc cheeses
• Crisco
• Salt and Pepper

Peel potatoes, and soak in cold water.
Drain after 20 minutes
Put in enough Crisco to cover bottom of pan when melted.
Fry potatoes, season to taste with salt and pepper, turning periodically until potatoes are almost completely cooked.

Here's what they look like as they begin frying:

Slice smoked sausage - add to potatoes when potatoes are ALMOST done. (see Pic)

Continue cooking until both sausage and potatoes are thoroughly cooked.

Add any cheese you have right before serving. (optional)

 Here's my finished dish using smoked sausage:

This is the basic recipe - I have modified this to fit whatever I have on hand.

No smoked sausage? Hot dogs or Spam will work.
No meat at all? Then I'll just add a lot of onions and more cheese.
No Cheese? We'll just have fried potatoes and meat.