Following Tradition: Cream Cheese Potatoes

Whenever I think of the meals served during the holidays, Cream Cheese Potatoes is the first that comes to mind.  The main dish may vary, as well as other side dishes, but this potato casserole has been the staple of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter meals for as long as I can remember.  They are flavorful but not overpowering, and taste better over time, so they can be made a day or two ahead and reduce the stress so often found during the holiday season.

Side note:  If you're traveling, I recommend cooking these potatoes in two smaller Pyrex dishes as opposed to a large dish.  This allows the food to be reheated quicker and is easier to manage as oven sizes may vary.

From my family to yours... :)

White Bean and Rosemary Spread

It looks like I'm on a total Sheryl Crow kick these days, because this recipe comes straight from her awesome cookbook, If It Makes You Healthy.  It's super simple - all you need is a food processor and several kitchen staples and you'll be on your way to making a fantastic white bean dip that's perfect for easy snacking or even a holiday party.

I might be speaking too soon about kitchen staples; I think the most important ingredient in this recipe is smoked paprika.  This particular type of paprika is most commonly found in specialty food stores.  If you're local to the Washington, DC area, you might want to check out The Spice and Tea Exchange at 1069 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, although it looks like they have locations all over the country.  They have an amazing selection of specialty spices and teas.  However, I'm sure regular paprika will work in a pinch.

Sweet Potato and Parsnip Mash

Sheryl Crow once sang out "this ain't no disco, this ain't no country club either..." well, whenever I think of this Sweet Potato and Parsnip Mash, which is made in a way similar to mashed potatoes, I want to sing out "these ain't no mashed potatoes".  While both potato dishes are delicious, this particular mash puts a flavorful spin on the more traditional white potato mash.

Perhaps my horrible singing is a reason to stop cooking alone, but all joking aside, these potatoes are quite good.  Maybe it's the sweetness of the dish, or the kick of the ginger, but the flavor combination has been a hit among many of my friends.  Just don't be fooled by the healthy ingredients; this dish is cooked in heavy whipping cream which negates any health benefits but joins the plethora of yummy treats served during the holidays.