Tuesday, November 22, 2016

My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

Since it is Thanksgiving week, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite recipes that we make every year with my family. Both of my parents cook, but Thanksgiving belonged – still does belong – to my mom. Her family grew up in Kentucky so a lot of our Thanksgiving dishes have Southern roots. It is certainly the case with these recipes.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:
3 cups mashed sweet potato
1cup sugar
½ cup milk
1/3 cut butter softened
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Blend everything together until it is smooth and creamy. Pour into a oven safe baking dish.



Topping:
1 cup chopped nuts (Use pecans or almonds. I prefer pecans.)
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup melted butter

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the melted butter and stir until it is moist. If it’s too runny or goopy add a little flour to thicken. Crumble the mixture in chunks on top so it covers the entire surface.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes

Smashed Potatoes

What is Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes? We make these in my house every year, and they are  delicious!

Ingredients:
1 -1½ lbs. of Yukon Gold potatoes (unpeeled)  
½ tsp. of salt
4 Tbsp. heavy cream
2 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. milk
Salt & Pepper

Boil potatoes in a large pot, with a little bit of salt. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until you can poke them easily with a fork.

Drain water and let the potatoes sit for a few minutes. Peel the potatoes, leaving some of the skin on as you go. Cut up potatoes and put them in a large bowl. Add the butter, milk and cream and beat until everything is smooth. Use salt and pepper to taste.

For Your Sweet Tooth

The last dish is a dessert, also courtesy of the Bluegrass State, called Kentucky Derby Pie. If you like chocolate you will love this.

Ingredients:
½ cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
½ cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
¾ cup chocolate chips
¾ cup nuts (walnuts or pecans)
9 inch unbaked pie crust or shell

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into the pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the top is browned. DEVOUR!

Hope your holiday table delicious!

As a little holiday treat, I invite you to download my holiday novella, Finding You At Christmas from my Shellwater Key Tales series FREE! DOWNLOAD HERE