Thanksgiving Recipe #3: Lighter Mashed Potatoes!

For most people, Thanksgiving is about turkey and mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes have a special place in most people's hearts, and they don't want them messed with. Thanksgiving is not the day that I would have you add cauliflower to the potatoes to make it more nutrient rich, since you may make many of your guests angry if they notice. However, I do suggest that you lighten up the traditional mashed potato, and I can almost guarantee that no one will notice. Plus, most people layer on the gravy, and many end up mixing everything together anyway- so they won't notice if the potatoes are a little lighter on the butter and cream.

Below is my recipe for enlightened mashed potatoes. Please be aware that this recipe is not super nutritious, if I were trying to do that I wouldn't have you peel them and would have you add cauliflower. I simply want to make these a healthier version than what you would normally get at a Thanksgiving feast.

INGREDIENTS:

3 pounds baking potatoes -- peeled and cut in 3" chunks
3 tablespoons light butter
3/4 cup skim milk
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt or light yogurt
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch white pepper
Spices (cayenne, chives, etc.)
PREPARATION:

Place potatoes in cold water for a few minutes to remove excess starch.

Boil potatoes in water for 15-20 minutes until fork can poke through easily. Drain and return to pot. Over high heat, dry potatoes by keeping them over the heat for 1-2 minutes until all extra moisture is evaporated.

Mash potatoes in large bowl. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and milk and bring to a simmer. Pour the liquid over potatoes and mix. Add yogurt, salt, pepper and any spices and blend well into potatoes. Taste for seasoning. Transfer to serving bowl and serve immediately.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!