10 Days of Thanksgiving Recipes: All Things Mashed

Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Photos: Food Network

Everyone's family seems to have a special mashed potato recipe. Some would-be potato mashers keep it simple, relying on a traditional hand mixer to mash butter and milk into steamy Russets. Some get technical, using a potato ricer to ensure their mash is silky smooth and lump-free. Finally, some get gourmet, opting for out-of-the-box (or burlap bag?) bases and combinations. No longer is the Russet the norm; sweet potatoes, parsnips, apples, and even cauliflower are often masquerading as the mash of choice, filled with every spice and creative topping combo known to man. However your family prepares them, here are five recipes to make sure whatever you mash holds it weight.

1. PERFECT MASHED POTATOES
The perfect mashed potatoes aren't actually mashed. The key is using a potato ricer (which looks like a giant garlic press). This gadget gently breaks the potatoes into tiny, flaky pieces (rather than smashing them into a gluey mass), creating just the right texture. Your left with light, fluffy, perfect potatoes.

Bourbon-Walnut Sweet Potato Mash
Photo: BonAppetit

2. BOURBON-WALNUT SWEET POTATO MASH
Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and maple syrup set the base for this autumnal mash. A splash or bourbon and chopped, toasted walnuts make it complete.

3. BAKED MASHED POTATOES WITH PARMESAN CHEESE AND BREAD CRUMBS
An Italian twist on classic mashed potatoes, this baked mash gets its a savory, crisp topping from the combination of Parmesan cheese and toasted bread crumbs.

4. GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
The potatoes are cooked along with a whole head of garlic, adding a rich, savory dimension to this essential Thanksgiving side dish. To make your mashed potatoes even more luxurious, substitute half-and-half for the milk in this recipe.

Blue Cheese-Walnut Mashed Potatoes
Part of Food Network's 50 Mashed Potato Recipes
Photo: FoodNetwork

5. PARSNIP-APPLE MASH
Transform humble parsnips into a luxurious alternative to mashed potatoes. When pureed, simmered apples and parsnips take on a dense, silky texture. This recipe can be prepared up to two days in advance of Thanksgiving and reheated before serving.

BONUS: 50 MASHED POTATO RECIPES FROM FOOD NETWORK MAGAZINE
Choose from 50 simple additions to a traditional mashed potato base including cheddar bacon, pancetta rosemary, Tex-Mex, crispy garlic, golden saffron and many more.