First things first, check your kitchen for all the ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Measure out your ingredients — it’s like setting the stage for a culinary performance.

In a large bowl, combine your chilled or leftover mashed potatoes with the whisked eggs. The eggs act as a binding agent, ensuring your cakes stay intact when they hit the skillet. For those making mashed potatoes from scratch, keep the seasonings simple — a little butter and salt can make all the difference.

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the richness. Mix everything until integrated. Feel free to adjust the garlic to your liking; I'm a big fan of the subtle garlic flavor, but some folks enjoy a stronger kick!

Gradually add the flour to the potato mixture while mixing it well. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. I like to use my hands at this point; it’s much easier to gauge the consistency. Don’t overmix; you want to keep it light and fluffy.

Dust your hands with a bit of flour and take a generous scoop of the potato mixture. Form it into cakes about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t stress about making perfect rounds—imperfections give them character!

In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet without drowning the cakes. A good shimmer in the oil indicates it's ready.

Gently place your potato cakes into the heated oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; this can lead to steaming instead of frying. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach a golden-brown color. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen fills with a tasty aroma!

Once cooked, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color. I find a dash of fresh herbs can carry a dish from ordinary to extraordinary!

Plate your beautifully golden potato cakes and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup or a spicy aioli, to complement their flavors. Gather your friends and invite them to dive into this delicious experience!