Mashed Potatoes with Celery
I have a 'stragglers Thanksgiving' — that's what I call it — at my house every year. I know a lot of people who, like me, don't have any family nearby. Thirteen years ago I started inviting a few people for dinner. And that small holiday gathering has become a big tradition among my friends. For weekday meals, I look for shortcuts and do-aheads. But for holiday meals, I like to do everything the same day because I love the smell of cooking that fills the house.
I have a 'stragglers Thanksgiving' — that's what I call it — at my house every year. I know a lot of people who, like me, don't have any family nearby. Thirteen years ago I started inviting a few people for dinner. And that small holiday gathering has become a big tradition among my friends. For weekday meals, I look for shortcuts and do-aheads. But for holiday meals, I like to do everything the same day because I love the smell of cooking that fills the house.
- Carbohydrate 33 g(11%)
- Cholesterol 20 mg(7%)
- Fat 7 g(11%)
- Fiber 3 g(11%)
- Protein 4 g(8%)
- Saturated Fat 4 g(21%)
- Sodium 39 mg(2%)
- Calories 202
Step-by-step
- Cook potatoes, sliced celery, garlic, and bay leaves in pot of boiling salted water until potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes.
- Drain potatoes.
- Return to same pot; remove bay leaves.
- Add cream and butter and mash well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Rewarm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer potato mixture to bowl; sprinkle with chopped celery leaves.
My Cozy Thanksgiving Tradition: Mashed Potatoes with a Twist
Thanksgiving. For many, it conjures images of bustling family gatherings, overflowing tables laden with traditional dishes, and the comforting aroma of roasting turkey filling the air. But for me, my Thanksgiving is a little different. It's a quieter affair, a gathering of close friends who, like me, might not have family nearby. Thirteen years ago, I decided to create my own Thanksgiving tradition, a "stragglers Thanksgiving," as I affectionately call it.
It started small, just a few friends invited for a simple dinner. Over the years, it's grown into a cherished annual event, a warm and intimate celebration of friendship and gratitude. While I appreciate the shortcuts and meal prepping common in weekday cooking, Thanksgiving is special. I love the bustling energy of the day, the smells of simmering spices, and the joy of creating a delicious meal from scratch. The entire day is about the process – from carefully selecting ingredients to the final moments of plating and sharing the meal with people I cherish. This year, I’m particularly excited to share my recipe for mashed potatoes with celery – a simple yet flavourful side dish that always seems to be a hit with my friends.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s not about complicated techniques or exotic ingredients, but about creating a dish that is both comforting and delightful. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes, the subtle crunch of the celery, and the warm, inviting aroma make it the perfect addition to my Thanksgiving spread. The earthy undertones of the celery complement the richness of the potatoes beautifully. But honestly, what really makes this dish shine isn’t just the ingredients, but the love and care put into creating it. It’s a labor of love, a reflection of the warmth and camaraderie I share with my friends on this special day.
More than just a meal, our "stragglers Thanksgiving" has become a symbol of chosen family. It's a reminder that the true essence of Thanksgiving isn't about the size of the gathering, but about the connections we foster and the gratitude we share. Each year, as we gather around the table, surrounded by delicious food and good company, I feel an overwhelming sense of contentment and gratitude. It’s a tradition I wouldn't trade for anything.
This recipe is just a small piece of that tradition, a humble contribution to a bigger story of friendship, warmth and community. It's a dish that speaks to the heart, a testament to the simple joys of good food and good company. And that, in my opinion, is what Thanksgiving is all about.
Beyond the mashed potatoes, the day itself is a carefully curated experience. We spend the morning preparing together, laughing and chatting as we work. The kitchen becomes a hub of activity, the air thick with the aroma of herbs and spices. We might watch some classic Thanksgiving parade on TV while prepping. Sometimes, I’ll put on some soothing Thanksgiving music to set the mood. It's a day where we focus on connecting, appreciating each other’s company, and indulging in the simple pleasures of life. As a result of this, even if we are a smaller gathering, the feeling of love and abundance always makes it feel like a full house. It’s a Thanksgiving that’s perfectly tailored to my own definition of family and joy.
And while the recipe for these mashed potatoes is simple, the memories associated with them are anything but. It’s a dish that evokes the warmth of friendship, the comfort of tradition, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. So, this Thanksgiving, try making this simple yet flavorful side dish. And if you, too, find yourself celebrating a "stragglers Thanksgiving," know that you're not alone. There is beauty and joy to be found in building your own traditions, in creating your own sense of family and belonging.
