Monday With Meg: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

I was so blessed as a child to have been welcomed in the kitchen. Since I was young, I helped mix batters (and licked beaters), cracked eggs, peeled potatoes and “piped” frostings. It was something I enjoyed and my parents always nurtured that love. I am so grateful that they took the extra time in the kitchen to allow me to do something I loved (even if it wasn’t always a help). I never felt rushed or as if I was a bother.

Here I am at around 3 or 4 helping peel potatoes in my little play chair in the kitchen. This is an incredibly cherished photo because it proves to me that I was passionate about cooking from the very beginning. So today I am bringing you my newest favorite mashed potato recipe in remembrance of this picture and just in time for Thanksgiving.

Could it possibly be my new favorite because of all the cream cheese and butter? Maybe. They are rich, creamy and definitely indulgent which is just perfect for stuffing yourself on holidays. Enjoy. And please don’t hate me.

Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Mashed Potatoes
recipe from The Pioneer Woman

5 pounds Russet Or Yukon Gold Potatoes
3/4 cups Butter
1 package (8 Oz.) Cream Cheese, Softened
1/2 cup (to 3/4 Cups) Half-and-Half
1/2 teaspoon (to 1 Teaspoon) Lawry's Seasoned Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to 1 Teaspoon) Black Pepper

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into pieces that are generally the same size. Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook for 30 to 35 minutes. When they’re cooked through, the fork should easily slide into the potatoes with no resistance, and the potatoes should almost, but not totally, fall apart.
2. Drain the potatoes in a large colander. When the potatoes have finished draining, place them back into the dry pot and put the pot on the stove. Mash the potatoes over low heat, allowing all the steam to escape, before adding in all the other ingredients.
3. Turn off the stove and add 1 ½ sticks of butter, an 8-ounce package of cream cheese and about ½ cup of half-and-half. Mash, mash, mash! Next, add about ½ teaspoon of Lawry’s Seasoning Salt and ½ a teaspoon of black pepper.
4. Stir well and place in a medium-sized baking dish. Throw a few pats of butter over the top of the potatoes and place them in a 350-degree oven and heat until butter is melted and potatoes are warmed through.

Note: When making this dish a day or two in advance, take it out of the fridge about 2 to 3 hours before serving time. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until warmed through.

Meg blogs at Meg's Everyday Indulgence where she shares even more recipes that will make you drool! You can also find her on her Facebook Fan Page, and be sure to "like" her page so that you can keep track of her daily deliciousness.

Be encouraged!

Please remember as you get ready for Christmas this year:  There are many children who long for a toy under their tree this year! If you can help by donating JUST ONE toy to a child in need, please contact Amanda Friend via Facebook, email , or telephone.  You can reach her by calling or texting 570-394-7219. Yes, ONE toy (used or new) would help! Unlike several agencies with age limits, they are prepared to help children of all ages included often overlooked older children.  This is an outreach of Christ United Methodist Church in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.