‘Potat-

iss Shredded

es
Fat

Jillian McMullen
Staff Writer

 

he beautiful thing about the potato

is the innumerable ways to take a
humble spud and make into a delicious
dish, with hash browns as my favourite
potato-y treat. Despite their side-dish
label, hash browns are arguably the
best part of breakfast and should not
be overlooked. They're savory, crispy
little pieces of heaven that—depending
on their preparation—can either
make or break any brunch plate.

So, after extensive market
research into the various ways hash
browns are made (i.e. many hungover
Saturday mornings spent at one of the
city’s numerous brunch spots), I can
confidently declare that shredded hash
browns are, like, the actual worst.

I think an important aspect of
my distaste for shredded hash browns

-~

comes down to language—there’s
a whole brunchy vernacular that I
wasn't aware of until I did some real
research into the issue. There seems
to be confusion regarding what to call
shredded hash browns, versus the far
superior cubed hash browns, on menus.
There have been many times I’ve ordered
a brunch plate—accompanied with
hash browns, of course—expecting
these beautiful, cubed, red-skin hash
browns, but what comes out instead is a
disappointing pile of shredded dreams.

Well, it turns out that the US has
that figured out: Over there, shredded
hash brown are simply “hash browns”
and cubed hash browns are “home
fries.” Here, however, restaurants use
the terms interchangeably. In fact,
Pll more commonly see restaurants
serving “hash browns” as specifically
“shredded hash browns” and “home
fries” as simply “hash browns.”

I guess I resent the fact that

this very key distinction isn’t made

clear. I could have saved myself a lot

of disappointment and unwanted,

but nevertheless eaten, hash browns

(a potato is a potato, after all). It is
understandable, then, that brunch-goers
feel the need to clarify a restaurant’s
terminology, as I have often experienced
while serving at the diner I where I work.

But why are “home fries” so much
better? Mainly, it’s to do with their
many flavour options and their superior
crunch-factor. Think about it, have you
ever had shredded hash browns that
tasted of anything other than potato,
oil, and maybe a little (or a lot) of salt?
The more rustic home fry has far more
to offer flavour wise: I’ve had roasted
garlic, caramelized onion, rosemary,
paprika, and even truffle oil potatoes.

In terms of texture, shredded hash
browns are just a lump of would-be
fries, with a weak outer crunch and an
almost soggy, too-soft interior, whereas

It's a ‘No’-prah for Oprah

> Presidency is not for celebrities

Jessica Berget
Opinions Editor

 

RE since the Golden Globe awards
show aired last week, everyone
has Oprah Winfrey on their minds—
specifically, some have her in mind
for the next presidential candidate of
2020. Her inspirational speech after
winning the Cecil B. De Mille award was
enough to win the hearts and votes of
any American who watched her accept
the award, but is giving a good speech
all that it really takes to run a country?
Presidency is not a place for
celebrities, especially if they have no prior
experience in politics, no matter how well-
informed or well-intentioned they may be.
It seems when any well-liked celebrity
gives a speech or makes some commentary
about our society, people go nuts, even
going as far as suggesting that they run
for presidency. It happened to Tom
Hanks, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and
Stephen Colbert, to name a few. Funnily
enough, these same celebrities have been
rumoured to also be running for the 2020
election. Stephen Colbert even had plans
to run for the 2008 election, which ended
in him eventually abandoning these
plans—however, as this was done in-
character as the Republican pundit “Rev.
Sir Dr. Stephen T. Mos Def Colbert D.F.A.,
Heavyweight Champion of the World,” it’s

very likely that this was meant to be a joke.

For some reason, people think that TV
show hosts and actors have what it takes
to be president. Based on what? Giving an
inspiring speech? Being the President of
the United States takes a whole lot more
than just giving a good speech at a film
and television festival, and as successful
as Oprah is, she is no exception.

As much as I would like to see
a Black woman become POTUS, I
don't believe another rich, popular
celebrity is the person to be rooting
for. Especially since a rich, popular
celebrity is already in office and, in my
opinion, doing a pretty shit job at it.

Even though Oprah has an incredibly
successful career in television and film,
is well-liked by millions, and isso famous
you dont even have to say her last name,
Oprah has literally no political experience,
which is a serious problem if she were to
ever actually run for office. That’s not to
say I have absolutely no faith in Oprah;
she does maintain progressive policies
and even helped lobby for the National
Child Protection Act, creating a database
of known abusers, which eventually
became known as the “Oprah Bill” With a
résumé as impressive as hers, it’s possible
she does have a future in politics, but in
a presidency? I don’t think so. At least,
not without a little experience first.

 

 

cubed hash browns have the surface
area to form a real crust. Juxtaposed
against that is a pillowy, floury middle
that is perfect for mopping up the yolk
of a runny egg. Try that with shredded
hash browns and it just doesn’t work.

Additionally, the process to prepare
home fries versus hash browns is not just
better—it’s safer. You can easily grate
off the skin of your knuckle trying to get
those starchy strands, ruining both your
hands and the food you were foolishly
attempting to make. Making home fries
requires minimal effort. I’m sure I could
cube up twice as many potatoes in half
the amount of time as it takes to make
shredded hash browns (and who doesn’t
need more potatoes in their lives?).

Regardless what you call them, hash
browns/home fries are the true breakfast
star.... But | know what kind I’m calling
up to the plate this Sunday morning.

Photo of Oprah Winfrey via BET News