Thanksgiving, oh, how it inspires a culinary symphony of flavors and aromas—like a warm hug from the kitchen. Imagine the golden turkey as the maestro, conducting an orchestra of mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. It’s a feast of gratitude, where every bite sings a note of nostalgia and anticipation, and the air buzzes with laughter and clinking glasses.
Steps
- Peel and cut the potatoes into approximately 1-inch cubes. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and fill with water until covered.
- Boil the potatoes on medium-high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle boil. Cook until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Once tender, drain the potatoes and either pass them through a ricer or mash them with a masher. Return the mashed potatoes to the warm pot.
- Mix in the cream, butter, Parmesan, mascarpone, and garlic, stirring until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in freshly chopped chives before serving. Enjoy the rich and creamy mashed potatoes as a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk, with additional as needed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons Mascarpone cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Freshly chopped chives
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1056kcal | Carbohydrates: 123g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.6g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 276mg | Potassium: 2946mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1911IU | Vitamin C: 135mg | Calcium: 291mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- How can I prepare Thanksgiving dinner with less stress?
- To enjoy Thanksgiving without stress, you can follow a prep schedule that outlines tasks from the Sunday before Thanksgiving to the day itself. This approach helps you organize and plan ahead, so you can relax and enjoy time with family and friends.
- What are some popular Thanksgiving side dishes?
- Traditional side dishes that are always a hit include mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, and a variety of vegetable dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts and green beans. These dishes are sure to delight your guests and have them asking for more.
- How do I prevent my turkey from becoming dry?
- A great way to keep your turkey moist is by using a turkey brine. Brining the turkey infuses it with flavors and helps retain moisture, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bird.
- Can I make any dishes ahead of time for Thanksgiving?
- Yes, many dishes can be prepared ahead of time, such as cranberry sauce and certain desserts. By preparing these items in advance, you can reduce the cooking load on Thanksgiving Day itself.
- What are some alternatives to cooking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving?
- If you’re not keen on preparing a large turkey, consider alternatives like roasted Cornish hens, vegetable lasagna, or stacked eggplant Parmesan. These options cater to various dietary preferences and can be just as satisfying.
Tips
- To achieve ultra-smooth mashed potatoes, consider using a potato ricer. It makes the mashing process easier and delivers a silky texture, enhancing the overall quality of your dish.
- When boiling the potatoes, ensure they are all cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly and reach the perfect tenderness for mashing.
- Infuse more flavor into your mashed potatoes by incorporating finely chopped garlic during the mashing process. This adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the dish.
- For a richer taste, mix in mascarpone cheese along with the butter and Parmesan. This creates a creamy, luxurious texture that elevates traditional mashed potatoes.
Equipment
- Ricer – This tool is recommended for making smooth mashed potatoes and is available on Amazon.
