Mashed Potatoes Anyone?

It's that time of year, again! The time when we don't give a shit about what we are eating because everything is so damn good! Whether it's the homemade cookies, pumpkin pie, or any of the other tempting goodies that float by on a platter, it's all delicious and we'll pay for it come January 1st. Who cares!!! God didn't give us taste buds for no reason!!

It's my favorite time of year because I get to cook, and not just for myself and my hubby (which isn't a bad thing - just limited)!! We can't host a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner at our apartment because it is so small, but I can cook for a mass amount of people and bring it to their place!! I can't tell you just how excited I am for Thursday. There's not enough exclamation points!!!

My contribution for Thanksgiving is none other than my famous GARLIC MASHED POTATOES - insert choir of angels singing Ahhhhhhh! It's not just ordinary Garlic Mashed Potatoes - oh no - it's goodness that melts in your mouth and puts a smile on your face. It gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside, and no matter what, they always turn out perfect!!! I can't wait for the day when I purchase my potato ricer to make the MOST PERFECT MASHED POTATOES EVER!!!

What do I use, you ask? It's no secret and it's quite easy! Potatoes, obviously, peeled, cut into 1/4" chunks and boiled in salty water for about 20-30 minutes depending on the amount. I use a stick or two of Keller's Salted Butter - trust me - the brand is the difference. I also use sour cream, heavy cream, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and, of course, garlic. Now, when I usually make them, I use garlic powder. It easily dissolves in the potatoes and gives that flavor that everyone enjoys. Seriously - if you don't like garlic - why do you breathe? I may do something a little different this time around. I am thinking of roasting some fresh garlic and then putting that in a food processor and adding to the potatoes......hmmmmmmm......what to do?

We are also going to a party on December 1st in which hors d'oeuvres will be made. My yummy bruschetta and pepperoni bread will be on the menu that evening. Although, I am going to definitely experiment for that party!! I got some Wonton wrappers at Wegman's the other day and I plan on filling them with beef and cheese and then pan searing them and making a fabulous sauce for dipping! It's still in the works in my brain, but I know it will be amazing!!!

Ahhhhh - the smell of the holidays is definitely going to permeate from my kitchen!!!