Thanks for swinging by the HAP Virtual Thanksgiving Potluck! Since Thanksgiving is all about bringing together family, friends and food we thought a little party with some of our favorite bloggers would be the perfect way to get in the mood.
Kicking things off with a starring side dish is Rachel Humiston, who by day is a brand manager and by night dishes up taste tests and restaurant reviews over at The Avid Appetite.
Favorite Thanksgiving dish and/or Tradition?
Do I have to pick one? I love mashed potatoes and don’t eat them the rest of the year, so it’s really a special treat on Turkey Day. Also, any super sweet potato casserole! Bonus points for lots of brown sugar! As for traditions, I love watching the Macy’s parade (you know, like I’m 5), baking and spending time with my family.
Pumpkin Pie or Apple Pie?
I’ll never turn down a good apple pie, but pumpkin has my heart.
Cooking Mantra?
Have fun! Regardless of your level of expertise, when you are making something you love and sharing it with others, you can’t go wrong if you have fun doing it!
What are you thankful for this year?
My husband who makes me happy every day and my family who are always there for us and who make everything fun!
Rachel’s Classic Thanksgiving Potatoes
When the ladies of HAP asked me to guest blog as part of their Thanksgiving series, I was delighted. Even more so when I learned I’d be writing about potatoes, a major staple in every Turkey Day feast (have you ever heard of a Thanksgiving dinner without mashed potatoes? Me neither). Admittedly, I had never made mashed potatoes. Though I’ve seen them made countless times while serving as my mom’s sous chef, I’d yet to tackle them in my own kitchen. And I have the ladies of HAP to thank for giving me the nudge, since this dish is nothing short of life-changing. Oh, and did I mention that they couldn’t be easier?
While there are an exhaustive number of options for mashed potatoes, with additions ranging from garlic and blue cheese to cheddar cheese, onions, they all begin with a classic base. Since it’s Thanksgiving, the holiday of traditions, why change it up? I vote for a standard yet unforgettable mashed potato. And once you taste this creamy, velvety version, you may find, as I did, that there’s no need for anything more. Except for some turkey, gravy and cranberry sauce.
Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes (erves 4-6)
2-3 tbsp salt (or more if needed)
2-3 lbs potatoes, peeled & cubed
1/2 C heavy cream (or more if needed)
4 tbsp butter
pinch black pepper
chives, dried or fresh
Peel the potatoes and cut into cubes. In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower heat slightly to a light boil and cook for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove from the water and place in large mixing bowl.
Add butter and heavy cream. With the back of a wooden spoon or a fork, smush (yep, it’s a technical term) the potatoes and lightly mix together. This will prevent splatter all over your beautiful kitchen once you break out the mixer. Add black pepper. With a hand mixer, or in a stand mixer, beat until smooth and creamy. Add more salt or more heavy cream if needed. Garnish with chives.
So there you have it. A creamy, decadent mashed potato that’s quick and simple to boot. It’s the perfect potato addition to any Thanksgiving table which won’t have you slaving over the stove but will have your guests oooh-ing and aaah-ing! Happy Turkey Day!
Join the Party!
Got a great Thanksgiving dish or decorating idea? Share a link to your Turkey Day blog post or recipe in the comments or on our Facebook page!
Subscribe by Email
hauteapplepie.com 