Who doesn’t get invited to some form of holiday pot-luck? This week and next, I’ll have some quick and easy ideas for your ‘what the heck to take’ woes.

If all else fails, you can volunteer to pick up buns and butter, but these are a better option.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

3 lbs potatoes (I prefer using local Adoras or Yukon Gold)
3 tbsp butter
1 pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 c sour cream
1/4 c heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp crushed parsley flakes

Directions

Cook potatoes as you would for regular mashed potatoes. When cooked, strain and place in a large mixing bowl to mash. Add butter, cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream and salt. Stir well, until all ingredients are blended. Pour into baking dish and cool. Cover with lid or plastic wrap and refridgerate until needed.

Pre-heat oven to 350*. Brush top of potatoes with 1 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle with crushed parsley flakes. Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through, and slightly golden on top.

Mini-Meatballs

Ingredients

1 lb extra lean ground beef
1 lb lean ground pork
1 c bread crumbs
2 lg eggs
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried basil flakes
1/3 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Shape into small balls, about 3/4 inch diameter. I have used a melonballer, which can work well. Put meatballs onto a deep sided cookie sheet, and bake at 300* for about 20-25 minutes. Move to casserole dish or crock pot, and cover with the sauce of your choice.

’til next week…
<3 JL