Mashed It All Up

What is the best side for roasted chicken ,pot roast or meat loaf? A big scoop of something mashed. it doesn't always have to be mashed potatoes .Any other root vegetable can be subbed in. The end result is a nice creamy side that goes well with the main meal. Most people would prefer just mashed potatoes with their meals.After all mashed potatoes go great with anything from roast poultry to something homey like meat loaf.It's great for absorbing gravy and adds a smooth texture to the meat's sometime dry one.Some home chefs agonize about what kind of potatoes to use.Simple baking ones are the best.Mix with one cup of milk and two to three tablespoons of butter. For a richer taste cut the milk to one half and add a half cup of whole cream. You can also toss in the skins for flavor as well as taste.They're supposed to be good for arthritis too. If you want something a little different,sub in sweet potatoes. These go well with ham and compliment the meat 's saltiness.Prepare them the same way you would regular mashed potatoes.You can add a drizzle of honey to bring out The tuber's sweet ,earthy taste.Turnips are another alternative that are tasty mashed.They're a little less work than regular mashes ,with the milk omitted.They're cooked in salted water and then after being drained ,mashed with butter ,a dash of sugar and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper. Also tasty are mashed parsnips which are made the same way as the turnips.Cauliflower can also be made this way too. In fact it is a favorite in the Obama White House. A side of something mashed is always good with dinner.It lends a creaminess to the meal and is good with everything from gravy to butter. Try the classic mashed potatoes or another different veggie like sweet potatoes ,turnips,parsnips or even cauliflower!