Curds and Yay!

Our cheese buddy, Crave Brothers, got some props for their awesome Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Curds. They won First Place at the 2020 World Championship Cheese Contest.
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Let’s celebrate with this recipe using those winning curds.

​Poutine

Ingredients:
4 pounds russet potatoes (skin-on, washed and dried)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup flour
1 shallot (minced)
1 clove garlic (minced)
4 cups beef stock
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon green peppercorns (whole)
1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
ground black pepper
kosher salt
canola oil (for frying)
2 cups Crave Brothers Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Curds

Directions:
Cut potatoes into lengths of about 1⁄4" x 1⁄4" x 4". Place in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and refrigerate for about 2 hours.

Meanwhile, heat butter in a 2-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour, and cook, stirring, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add shallot and garlic, and cook, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add stock, ketchup, vinegar, peppercorns, Worcestershire, and salt and pepper, and bring to a boil; cook, stirring, until thickened, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat, and keep gravy warm. 

Pour oil to a depth of 3" in a 6-qt. Dutch oven, and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 325°. Drain potatoes, and dry thoroughly with paper towels. Working in small batches, add potatoes and fry, tossing occasionally, until tender and slightly crisp, about 4 minutes.

Drain on paper towels, and let cool for 20 minutes. Increase temperature to medium-high, and heat oil until it reads 375°. Working in small batches, return potatoes to oil, and fry, tossing occasionally, until crisp and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer fries to paper towels to drain briefly, and then divide among serving bowls. Pour gravy over each serving of fries, and top with jalapeno cheese curds; serve immediately.

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