Mashed Potatoes, Irish Style
Isn't this picture cute? A friend of mine sent this to me last week and it just reminded me so much of my dog and cat, Abby and Snuggles. They definitely have a love-hate relationship (as I guess most dogs and cats do!)
This has been a slow week on the blog, and I apologize. I think it's the combination of rain we've been having along with the Thanksgiving holiday this week that's made me a little sluggish. I know that turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pie will definitely kick start my blog action once again. :)
In continuation of our Irish theme, I thought I'd share a little recipe I found on the internet this week. It's a traditional recipe, but with a slight Irish twist.
Irish Champ Mashed Potatoes 
These are mashed potatoes, Irish-style, with butter and green onions. Instead of gravy, they are traditionally served with a well of butter in the center for dipping each bite. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for added color and nutrition.
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 pounds (1.8kg) potatoes
- 1/2 pint (300ml) milk
- 1 cup (225g) chopped spring onions (green onions)
- 1/2 cup (110g) butter
- Salt and black pepper
PREPARATION:
Peel potatoes and cook in boiling water.
Simmer milk and spring onions together for five minutes. Strain
potatoes and mash thoroughly. Add hot milk, and the spring onions, salt
and pepper, and half the butter.
Champ is served piled high on the dish, with a well of melted butter in the center. It is eaten with a spoon from the outside, each spoonful being dipped in the well of melted butter.
Yummmmmm!!!!!! Talk about a healthy dose of butter to kick start your Thanksgiving!
This recipe leads me to our contest this week. Well, it's not really a contest, but more of a chance to share something about your ideal Thanksgiving. We want to know what your favorite Thanksgiving dish is! You don't need to include a recipe - just list the dish. Of course, if it's a good one we hope you will share it! This Friday morning we will draw a name out of those who have submitted a comment and the winner will win some fun stuff from the shop, including....
"Me Lucky Charms" Stitch Markers from Zephyr
An Irish 2008 calendar from The Whimsical World of Thomas Joseph
and some yarn to fit this week's theme. :)
I wish you each a wonderful Thanksgiving, and will leave you with these words to ponder as you're enjoying your gobble gobble....
May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes 'n gravy have not a lump,
May your yams be delicious,
May your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs. :)
My favorite has got to be the pumpkin pie, although I'm quite a fan of all the Thanksgiving side dishes - mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams...
I can't wait!
Posted by: stariel | November 20, 2007 at 11:04 PM
Hands down, Green Bean Casserole! Though Pecan Pie is a close second.
Posted by: Trish | November 20, 2007 at 11:28 PM
Probably the desserts...pecan pie, pumpkin pie..yummy!! Recently, I've loved a corn pudding recipe that's "cornbread mush" around our table (and its made with a can of this and a box of that, but its delicious!!).
Posted by: carrieknits | November 20, 2007 at 11:58 PM
I love 1) candied sweet potatoes, 2) green bean casserole and 3) fruitcake.
Posted by: Betty | November 21, 2007 at 12:00 AM
I love 1) candied sweet potatoes, 2) green bean casserole and 3) fruitcake.
Posted by: Betty | November 21, 2007 at 12:01 AM
As a dane, there are no Thanksgiving traditions in my family. But the internet has acquainted me with a lot of Americans and their traditions, and it's fun to hear about their Thanksgiving traditions and preparations. Last year I decided to try out some of their favorite recipies, and especially the Pumpkin Pie was an instant success! So up until now that one is my favorite, but I plan on trying out a bunch of recipies again this year.
Posted by: Bettina | November 21, 2007 at 12:25 AM
I have to have my potatoe casserole, along with that turkey!!
Posted by: Rachel | November 21, 2007 at 12:25 AM
I think pumpkin pie is what I look forward to the most.
Posted by: Camille | November 21, 2007 at 02:32 AM
Mmmm, I think my favorites are my aunt's mashed potatoes (she includes sour cream in them to make them creamier), and my grandma's homemade cranberry sauce. Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Becky | November 21, 2007 at 04:18 AM
It's a toss up between stuffing that was in the bird and pecan pie. I found a good chocolate pecan pie recipe in Real Simple a couple of years ago. Still don't have a go to stuffing recipe yet. Hope your have a great dinner!
Posted by: Michelle | November 21, 2007 at 04:47 AM
My favorite is the turkey -- cranberry sauce combo. Add a little gravy and stuffing, of course. But the color and tartness of the cranberries is what makes it the best.
Posted by: magggie51@comcast.net | November 21, 2007 at 04:59 AM
My favorite dish at Thanksgiving is stuffing and any kind of pie.
Posted by: Maureen | November 21, 2007 at 05:05 AM
I love everything but my favorite is the cranberry sauce. I only get to have it once or twice a year and I eat LOTS on Thanksgiving. I put it on almost everything on my plate.
Posted by: Trish | November 21, 2007 at 05:06 AM
sweet potato casserole w/ marshmallows on top!!!!
Posted by: Joy | November 21, 2007 at 05:18 AM
Jen,
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!One of my favorite dishes is dessert-- pumpkin chocolate cheesecake...I just made one last night for tomorrow.
Posted by: Michelle | November 21, 2007 at 05:22 AM
apple pie or cherry cheesecake
Posted by: Heathir | November 21, 2007 at 05:37 AM
I love mashed potatos, and also pumpkin pie!
Posted by: christine | November 21, 2007 at 06:03 AM
Green bean casserole all the way! Mmmm.
Posted by: Alicia | November 21, 2007 at 06:04 AM
It would have to be my parents' homemade stuffing. Try as I might I can never seem to duplicate it. It's just one of the many things I miss about them.
Posted by: elizabeth | November 21, 2007 at 06:10 AM
It would have to be my parents' homemade stuffing. Try as I might I can never seem to duplicate it. It's just one of the many things I miss about them.
Posted by: elizabeth | November 21, 2007 at 06:11 AM
I love the sweet potato casserole, it is the only time of year we make it. My favorite part is really the leftovers. It is much easier to plan dinner for the next few days with all that leftover turkey
Posted by: Bethany | November 21, 2007 at 06:25 AM
I love ambrosia! I only make it for Thanksgiving, so it's really extra special! It's more like a dessert, but I like mine with my turkey & all the fixin's!
Posted by: Trina | November 21, 2007 at 06:25 AM
it has to be getting up at 4:30 to start the turkey..and then going back to bed so when i get up later, the house smells SO good!!!
Posted by: tam h | November 21, 2007 at 06:29 AM
My absolute favorite is my mother-in-law's Sweet Potato Casserole. It is super yummy and more like a dessert than a side dish. When she has that I could care less what else is on the table. And because I am the only one in my household that eats it and she sends me home with all the leftovers, it's a wonderful sweet potato weekend for me!
Of course, there's the slight diabetic coma caused by eating it, but that's a side effect that I am happy to live with. I would be more than happy to share the recipe with anyone who would like it.
Posted by: Monet | November 21, 2007 at 06:35 AM
pumpkin pie. It's funny to me, too, since I could eat it anytime, but I only crave (and devour) it around the holidays.
Posted by: Davina | November 21, 2007 at 06:39 AM