Horseradish Hash Browns

Directions

1. Spoon the horseradish into a small, fine-mesh sieve. Using the back of a spoon, press the liquid from the horseradish. Peel the potatoes, and shred them on a box grater. Gather them up, a handful at a time, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible, then set the grated potato in a mixing bowl. Add the horseradish and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Cover the base of a large cast iron or non stick skillet with 1/8-inch oil. Warm over medium high heat until the oil shimmers and a potato strand added to the oil sizzles. Cook a pinch of the potato mixture, then taste and adjust seasoning, adding more horseradish and salt, if needed. Add a small handful of potato to the pan and use tongs to spread it into a rough circle, about 1/4-inch thick. Continue with the remaining potatoes, filling the pan without crowding it; save some for a second batch if needed. Cook until chestnut brown on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes, then turn the hash browns, and brown the other side, about 3 minutes. The trick is to brown the outside while allowing the potatoes on the inside cook through.
3. Meanwhile, mix the bacon and scallions with the vinegar. As the hash browns finish cooking, transfer them to a baking sheet lined with paper towel and keep warm in a 200 degree oven. Hash browns don't like to be stacked or they get soggy. Serve the hash browns and pass the bacon vinaigrette at the table.