Rooted Mashed Potatoes

A long time ago in a land far, far away, the world existed outside of the internet. We did strange things like subscribe to printed magazines, newspapers and read things on printed pages. During this era, I found an incredible resource called Bon Appetit! Pages were filled with stunning photographs, wonderful writing and incredible recipes. During this faraway time, I lived in a faraway place called suburban Chicago. Having barely left my parents sight since the day I entered their lives, living nearly four hours away away from home was as daring as bungee jumping.

In this space and time, I began hosting Thanksgiving for my family. My mom had never been one to enjoy cooking, so it was my time to step up to the plate. My first encounter with Bon Appetit was a Thanksgiving when they were introducing recipes that included a bit of our Thanksgiving Heritage. That year, I followed the entire menu and made a Thanksgiving to remember! As the saying goes, “I was as good once as I ever was.”

As life happens, I’m not certain that I have made a Thanksgiving to that standard since. However, from that time, one portion of the dinner has remained: the mashed potatoes! If I recall the article that accompanied the recipe correctly, our first mashed potatoes included a portion of parsnips because they were in such abundance in that season. The parsnips add a flavor similar to garlic but not as powerful. The final product is a flavorful potato that contains the added benefit of root vegetables and the added depth of our unique history as a country. Flavor, history and tradition- what a perfect combination and reminder of what the holidays are really about!

My version adapted from the original:

Rooted Mashed Potatoes

By Jane Robrahn

YIELD serves 6

• 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 pound parsnips, peeled, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces 

• 3 ounces trimmed parsley root (about 3 medium), peeled, but into 1-inch pieces (optional)

• 1 large garlic clove, halved

• 3 cups (or more) water

• 1 14 1/2-ounce can low-salt chicken broth

•  Organic, grass-fed butter or ghee to taste

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or parsley root tops

• Additional minced fresh parsley as garnish

1. Combine potatoes, parsnips, parsley root, if using, and garlic in heavy large saucepan. Add 3 cups water and broth; if necessary, add additional water to cover by 1 inch. Boil uncovered until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Drain vegetables, reserving liquid.

2. Return vegetables to pot. Set over low heat; mash until mixture is smooth; and fluffy, adding enough reserved cooking liquid and butter to thin to desired consistency. Mix in 2 tablespoons parsley. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover; let stand at room temperature. Rewarm over low heat, stirring.) Transfer to bowl. Top with additional parsley.

Variation: rather than boiling parsnips, roast them to bring out their natural flavors; then, add them to the recipe in step two, above. 

6 Weeks of Bowl Meals: Brussels, Bacon and Brown Rice

This summer has been the most challenging for me to get in the kitchen and create! If you've followed closely, you witnessed first, a torn rib muscle, then, shortly after that, a fall that resulted in a very messed up--still not diagnosed--left middle finger with additional wrist pain. I always laugh out loud when people ask how on earth I managed to get these injuries! Surly, I had to be pushing my mental and physical limits at the gym, on the field, or lets say, showing off in the water? Nope. While I love all the things and am guilty of every one, including attempting "tricks" on the paddle board, my kitchen set backs during my favorite cooking season have all been related to carelessness and slightly bad luck.  A forceful reach in a hurry and a fall, in my closet, while "skillfully" removing my skinny jeans, have resulted in a lot of pain, making chopping, typing, and dish washing quite the challenge! Thank you for sticking with me!  

A giant stalk of brussel sprouts was on sale at Meijer last week which sparked the very basic and simple creation of this stick-to-your-ribs meal--the first of my 6 weeks of bowl meals! My cashew cheese recipe adds an additional layer of healthy fat decadence and is optional, as always with sauces(even though sauteing then steaming typically provides plenty of flavor all on it's own).  When planning to prepare this bowl be sure to make time to chop the onion, bacon and brussels. With my finger slowing down the entire process, I cooked this in two shifts--the first steps before soccer practice, and the last, once I returned home.  As it turns out, tossing perfection out the window--once again--made it possible to cook and enjoy another satisfying, plant rich meal.

It brings me intense joy to have a platform and the physical health to share this tasty creation! Thank goodness all this real-food eating is proven to speed up healing time!

Brussel-Bacon, Brown Rice Bowl

By Audrey Byker Health Coach

Serves 4-6

for The veggies fat and protein

-1 pound clean bacon, chopped

-1/2 large onion, chopped

-1 large stalk or two bags brussel sprouts, quartered 

-Sea salt

-Black pepper, fresh ground

For the carbs and flavor

-8oz dry brown rice noodles(or three cups cooked potatoes or grains)

-1 batch Cashew Cheese(optional)*

*If planning to use cashew cheese, refer to recipe 1 day to 2 hours before planning to eat.

Fill a large saucepan with water and cook noodles per package directions. At the same time, in a large, non-stick skillet with a lid, add onions and bacon then saute on med. heat until cooked through.  Remove from pan leaving remaining bacon grease.  Add chopped brussel sprouts, a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook on med-high, watching carefully and tossing frequently--just enough to create a brown crust.  When crust is achieved, turn heat to low, add bacon and onions back into the pan, then add lid. Steam until desired consistency is reached: 10-15 min.

Prepare cashew cheese(optional), then add to noodles and stir together.  Add to a bowl(choose the best size for each appetite): brussels mixture and noodles.