November Project: Two Thanksgivings

Ok, y'all. It is even more dringend - urgent. I am cooking two Thanksgiving dinners this year: my traditional family and friends dinner and a pre-Thanksgiving dinner with a few modern twists. Recipe testing begins immediately. And I think I am going to start here: Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese.


Image via Sarah Shatz, Food 52

They look pretty amazing, no? I am drooling. But would they go well with turkey? Or would they be too tangy? Would it be better to stick to something more traditional, buttermilk, garlic.

Sonali's Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese from Food 52

Serves 4

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided use
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 pounds yellow onions (approximately 2 large onions), thinly sliced
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1.5 cups half and half
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 ounces goat cheese
• Black pepper

1. To make the caramelized onions, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir them to coat with the fat. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and the sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. If the onions get too dry, add a small amount of water to deglaze the pan. Set aside.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender.
3. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the half and half, garlic, bay leaf, and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the hot, dry pot. Stir them over low heat for 2 minutes until they are dry. Pass the potatoes through a ricer into a large bowl. Gently stir in the hot cream mixture a little at a time until the potatoes are smooth and creamy (discard the garlic and bay leaf). You may not need to use all of the liquid. Set aside a small amount of the caramelized onions for garnish and stir the remaining onions into the mashed potatoes. Crumble the goat cheese into the potatoes and stir to combine well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Spoon the mashed potatoes into a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining caramelized onions. Serve hot.