Thursday, July 9, 2009

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

These are the creamiest most delicious mashed potatoes ever! The best part of this recipe is that you can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time, which is really convenient if you are preparing a large meal. Be ready for lots of compliments!


Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
-----------------------------
5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut up
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese
3 tbsp. butter, divided
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. onion salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

In a large pot of salted water, bring potatoes to a boil. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain. In a large bowl, mash potatoes. Add the sour cream, cream cheese, 2 tbsp. of the butter, salt, onion salt, and pepper. Beat until fluffy. Transfer to a greased 9x13 pan or 2 qt. casserole. Refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead of time. When ready to be prepared, dot potatoes with remaining 1 tbsp. butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until heated through. Makes 8-12 servings.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Sour Cream Blueberry Pancakes & Crispy Bacon



These pancakes are SO good anytime, and are an excellent way to use up extra blueberries. They are so moist and tender and take no time at all to prepare. I put extra pancakes in stacks of 3, wrap tightly in foil and freeze. Just reheat pancakes in the microwave for 1 min 30 secs..a yummy way to have a delicious breakfast in no time at all! Also - I love how easy it is to fix the crispy bacon, just pop it in the oven while you're making the pancakes - you'll have a wonderful meal ready in no time!



Sour cream blueberry pancakes
-------------------------------
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 & 1/2 cup milk
1 cup (8 oz) reduced-fat sour cream
4 tbsp. (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen do not thaw)

Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, sour cream and melted butter. Stir into dry ingredients just until blended. Fold in blueberries. Pour batter by 1/3 cupfuls onto a greased hot griddle; flip pancakes when bubbles form on top. Cook until second side is golden brown. Serve with syrup if desired.

Crispy Bacon
--------------
Bacon, any type

Line a 9x13 in. baking pan with foil. Lay strips of bacon in pan, cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Uncover baking pan, flip bacon and bake an additional 10-20 minutes or until cooked to desired crispness. Drain on paper towels before serving.