Monday Menu ~ A Rough Recipe for Magnificent Mashed Potatoes

Boy howdy, what a weekend!  Was there a weekend??  I'm pretty sure there was, but the blurry thoughts all stringing together are making me wonder.  But since today is Monday, that must mean we just finished a weekend.

And this week is Thanksgiving?!  How did that happen?  Well, in honor of Thanksgiving, I'll post a few recipes that are too good to not eat this week. 

First up are these yummy mashed potatoes.  The recipe is rough, meaning I don't have exact measurements, but you'll get the idea.  These are perfect for a crazy day like Thanksgiving, because you can actually make them a day before and heat them to serve on Thanksgiving.  They are rich, creamy, and even delicious without gravy.  Not to say you shouldn't make gravy.  Don't be silly.  There is no picture to include, because it honestly has never occurred to me to take pictures of mashed potatoes.  I'm sure you understand.

Magnificent Mashed Potatoes

5 lbs. potatoes (regular 'ole baking potatoes)
8 oz. block of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
salt
pepper
garlic powder

Peel and quarter potatoes.  Boil in a large pot until they are very tender.  Drain.

Return to pot, place back on hot burner (turned off) to let the last of the moisture steam off.  Add the cube of softened cream cheese, softened butter (even melted is fine) and sour cream.  Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and non-lumpy.  Mix in salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.  (One of the keys is to have the cream cheese and butter very soft, so they will blend in easily.)  If not serving right away, place potatoes in a 9x13 baking dish, cover and refrigerate.  To serve, remove from fridge and heat in a 350 oven until warmed through while covered with foil.  Remove foil once heated through and continue to heat for another 10 minutes or so.   That way you'll get a lovely little baked crusty goodness on the top.  Yum.

Hmm.  What else?  Well, probably a dessert soon.  For now I will stare out the window and wonder how much snow is going to fall before I leave for work.  And, more importantly, how much will have fallen when it's time to come home from work.

If you are looking for a really scrumptious dessert, you must check out the Pumpkin Bread Pudding With Spicy Caramel Apple Sauce and Vanilla Bean Creme Anglaise that Bobby Flay made in his losing throw down with The Pioneer Woman.  It looks incredibly delicious, one I will be trying soon!