MAKE- AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Another time consuming and last minute task just before you lay the buffet table with your Thanksgiving meal is making the mashed potatoes, which is almost a staple with giblet gravy. Or any kind of gravy for that matter!

My brother wouldn't even come to the table if there were no mashed potatoes on it LOL The only things he would eat were mashed potatoes and black-eyed peas. If those weren't on the menu, he'd go to the fridge, take out the milk and drink half a gallon. That would be his supper. Unless you had made banana pudding or a chocolate cake. I used to have to hide these two desserts from him or that's all he'd eat, along with his milk. Of course all that finicky behavior disappeared when he got married (grin) His wife would cook a meal and if he ate it that was OK, and if he didn't, that was OK too. Now, he eats anything you put in front of him. It's amazing how marriage changes people! ;-)

MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

5 lbs potatoes, ( Russet or Yukon Gold) peeled, cooked and mashed
6 ounces plain cream cheese
8 ounces sour cream
½ cup milk
2 teaspoons onion powder
ground Tellicherry black pepper and salt to taste ( I use Celtic sea salt exclusively)

Combine mashed potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, onion powder and salt & black pepper. Mix well and place in large casserole. You can make these several days ahead and store in refrigerator.
When ready to use, cover and bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes.
If baking cold, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes first.

And if you're making instant potatoes? Here's another great way to make them.

3 cups Idahoan instant potato flakes
3 cups chicken broth (boiling)
1- 8oz. container sour cream
1 stick butter (Land O Lakes)
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Onion powder (optional)

Combine chicken broth and butter and bring to a boil. Pour into potato flakes and mix well. Add sour cream, stirring to mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. More broth may be needed if potatoes are too thick. NOTE: I usually add 1 teaspoon onion powder.

Next time I'll give you a great dinner roll recipe. And you can even make Cinnamon rolls for breakfast with it. It's another time saver for you on Thanksgiving Day!!