Day 3- The Potatoes

What would Thanksgiving be without mashed potatoes? I think my husband and kids would revolt! Around here we always have these, but if you prefer plain you can't go wrong with Pioneer Woman's Delicious, Creamy Mashed Potatoes. The name says it all. You can mash them as little or as much as you like depending on how you like your potatoes. I recommend starting with the least amount of half and half called for and then adding more as needed. As if they weren't delicious enough, you can make them the day before and reheat the day of, how's that for delicious?

Delicious, Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Pioneer Woman

5 lbs. Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes
1 1/2 sticks (3/4) cup
1 8oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2-3/4 cup half and half
1/2 to 1 tsp. Lawry's Seasoning Salt
1/2 to 1 tsp. black pepper

Peel and cut the potatoes into pieces that are generally the same size. Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook for 30-35 minutes. When they're cooked through, the fork should easily slide into the potatoes with no resistance, and the potatoes should almost-but not totally fall apart.
Drain the potatoes in a large colander. When the potatoes have finished draining, place them back into the dry pot adn put the pot on the stove. Mash the potatoes over low heat, allowing all the steam to escape, before adding in all the other ingredients.
Turn off the stove and add 1 1/2 sticks butter, 1 8oz pkg cream cheese and about 1/2 cup of the half and half. Mash, mash, mash. Next, add about 1/2 tsp. of Lawry's Seasoning Salt and 1/2 tsp. of black pepper.

Stir well and place in a medium sized baking dish and to top it off with, you guess it, butter! Throw a few pats of butter over the top of the potatoes and place them in a 350 degree oven and heat until butter is melted and potatoes are warmed through. (If making this dish in advance, take out of fridge about 2-3 hours before serving time. Bake in a 350 degree oven 20-30 minutes until heated through.)

Note- I have made these when I have had other things cooking and reheated them in the microwave with good results.

Posted by: Sallie & Julia