GOBBLE GOBBLE: Mashed Potatoes 2.0

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, it is never complete without a heaping side of mashed potatoes. There is nothing like a bite of turkey followed by that smooth, creamy, delicious taste of mashed potatoes. I am a purist when it comes to mashed potatoes half and half some butter and finish off with a little salt and pepper action. Why fix what isn't broken right? But I do know that some of you out there may want a change this year. Here are some simple additions to kick up your mashed potatoes this year that is guaranteed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

1.) Creamy Roasted Garlic

Simply take a whole bulb (not a clove) of garlic and wrap it in some foil with some olive oil and throw it in the oven and roast at 250 degrees for about 10-15 minutes depending on your oven's settings. Definitely keep an eye on it. After it's done simply smash it up and add it to your mashed potatoes along with some heavy cream instead of milk or half and half, butter, a touch of sour cream and salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that when you roast the garlic it will shrink not only in size but as well as flavor potency so you may need to roast more than one bulb to really bring out that roasted garlic flavor. I also wouldn't kiss anyone after eating this.

2.) Parmesan Cheese

After mixing in the traditional mashed potato ingredients with the exception of salt add some Parmesan cheese to your desire. This tends to work better when the mashed potatoes are nice and warm. This way the cheese will melt nicely and keep the consistency smooth (unless you prefer a little chunkiness). Taste before adding any additional salt since the cheese is already very salty on its own. Since it is Thanksgiving splurge a little and get the real stuff. It tastes so much better and you can save the rind for soups later on.

3.) Cream Cheese and Chives

With all the traditional ingredients added stir in some room temperature cream cheese and some chives. Mix well and top with more chives for garnish. With the cream cheese it isn't necessary to add butter, DO NOT USE CHIVE CREAM CHEESE I know it sounds stupid but the flavor is not the same.

4.) Caramelized Onion

This is one that I have recently made and was very surprised at how well it turned out. It is definitely for those who want to be a little ballsy. To caramelize the onions, slice them really thin and cook them over medium low hear stirring occasionally so the onions don't burn. Once the onions become translucent add some sugar (I prefer light brown sugar to really get that caramelized color and flavor). Keep cooking until your onions turn a nice brown color (NOT BURNED!!!). Afterwards add a dash of red wine or your favorite stock to scrape the bits from the bottom of the pan (DO NOT COVER THE ONIONS IN LIQUID) and add the onion mixture to a blender and puree. Please be careful and let the onions cool down before putting it into the blender.It should come out in a thin paste consistency. Add the paste into your mashed potatoes.

Holiday Tips & Tricks #1: How NOT to OVEREAT During the Holidays

Throughout the year, we always try our best to eat healthy and not necessarily because we want to be healthier but rather an excuse to stuff ourselves on delicious holiday food. However no matter how healthy you ate throughout the year, it is never good to overstuff yourselves on any occasion. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you not to overeat but still able to enjoy the food regardless!

1.) Stuffing or Dinner Rolls

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 VS.

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PICK ONE!!! Carbs and starches make up the majority of a holiday meal. When it comes to stuffing and dinner rolls try to stick with one (I prefer stuffing). This way you can still have your other delicious starches like mash potatoes.

2.) DO LOAD UP ON THE PROTEIN

Whether you eat turkey or ham during the holidays this is one area where you do not need to fret about too much. Between the starches and desserts our blood sugar rises significantly. Do load up on the meat. The protein will help you keep your blood sugars at bay and turkey is rather a healthier meat compared to others.

3.) Portion control

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If you are the chef during the holidays you have a lot of power on your hands. Some foods like stuffing or casserole can be easily portion sized. Instead of baking the stuffing or casserole in a giant dish bake them in muffin tins. Not only you will be saving some calories you also have a cute presentation for your family and friends (not to mention the muffin tins will crisp up the edges YUM).

4.) Cranberry Sauce...

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While cranberries are full of nutrients and antioxidants cranberry sauce is LOADED with insane amounts of sugar to combat the cranberries' tartness. Instead of so much sugar cut it in half and replace the other half with fresh squeeze fruit juice like apple or orange. If you don't have fresh fruit on hand use a natural sweetener like Stevia or Truvia. Also went eating cranberry sauce, even with the replacements do limit yourself to no more than 5 tablespoons. There is still a good amount of sugar even with the substitutes.

5.) Skip the Crust

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Pies Pies Pies the ultimate holiday dessert and the most dangerous around this time of year. When possible especially if you are having pumpkin pie skip the crust and just eat the filling. You will not only have yourself a bunch of calories but let's get real the filling is always the best part!

GOBBLE GOBBLE: Garlic Ranch Mashed Potatoes

Hello again! Here is my recipe for the traditional mashed potatoes with a twist. I promise you this will be a crowd pleaser. 

What You Will Need: (This recipe feeds about 6-8 people depends on how much you love mashed potatoes)

1 Package of Powder Ranch Dressing (DO NOT USE THE LIQUID DRESSING)

1/2 Pound of Yukon Gold Potatoes (Russet Potatoes will also work if you can't get Yukon, Yukon potatoes are more buttery and creamery) 

1 Pint of Heavy Cream

1 Cup of Whole Milk (PLEASE DO NOT USE LOWFAT, SKIM ANY SORT OF "DIET" MILK IT WILL NOT TASTE THE SAME TRUST ME)

1 Stick of unsalted butter

1 whole bulb of garlic 

1 small container or sour cream (about 8oz.)

Salt and Black Pepper to taste

How To Make:
1.) Wash and peel your potatoes

2.) Boil your potatoes until fork tender (poke a fork and if it goes through and comes out clean your potatoes are done, do no overcook or undercook)

3.) While the potatoes are boiling wrap your garlic bulb in foil with some olive oil. Broil @ 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes until the garlic is soft. Keep an eye on this

4.) In a sauce pan melt your stick of butter and add the milk. DO NOT BOIL you just want to warm up the milk and melt the butter

5.) Take your potatoes and mash them into chunks

6.) Add your desired amount of garlic 

7.) Add the entire packet of powdered ranch dressing, milk and butter mixture (You do not need to add all the milk and butter, depends on how smooth you want it)

8.) Mix and Stir 

9.) Add the heavy cream (Add only to your desire consistency) and sour cream (must have!!!!)

10.) Taste and add salt and pepper if desired 

ENJOY!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING :D