Allow me to ramble a bit. This will be a rather disjointed post. It seems I have been snapping pictures willy nilly with no particular theme in mind. We did have this mashed potato casserole last week. David was grilling ribs and I knew that the timing for dinner would remain up in the air. There are many steps involved in his rib recipe. So, as not to worry about the mashed potatoes, I turned them into a casserole that could be kept warm in the oven. The topping of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and butter was delicious.
Yesterday we had an old friend from our college days over for lunch. She has moved close to our area and we had the best time catching up with each other. I set the table on the porch, and although it was cool, we enjoyed being outside.
Our lunch included Ina Garen’s Couscous and Tuna Salad. You can find the recipe here.
I made a simple tossed salad with Spring greens, mandarin oranges, raspberries and almonds and these focaccia breadsticks with an oil and balsamic vinegar dipping sauce.
David took me out to lunch for Mother’s Day at a small town near us. After lunch we browsed in several antique shops. I found this “Antiques” sign. It is obviously not old, but it looks great hanging on my porch.
I also found this colorful hanging basket to hang at the entrance to the cottage.
MASHED POTATO CASSEROLE
6 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 to 1 cup half and half or cream
A large handful of chives, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping:
1/3 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoon melted butter
Place potatoes in a large saucepan with water to cover. Add a generous teaspoon of salt. Bring to bowl and cook until tender. Drain potatoes. Add butter and enough half and half to mash into a creamy consistency. Add chives and mix in.
Grease a casserole dish. Add potato mixture.
Mix together the topping ingredients. Spread over potatoes. Place in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for 30 minutes. Can be held in a warm oven until needed.
I loved the post, Penny. I intend to try your potatoes this weekend.
Thank you Mary. Hope you enjoy them.
What a great idea for mashed potatoes! Love your new sign. It looks great on your porch.
Hugs,
Penny
Hope you are settled in Penny. I love the rug on your porch. Will email you about the source because I would love to have one on our sleeping porch.
Three of the most delicious words…..mashed potatoes and casserole. Yummy!
Your photos are all lovely – and I will surely look up Ina’s recipe.
Thanks H. David loved the couscous recipe. Think The Great Dane would love it too, in addition to the potato casserole.
If this is disjointed well I love it..It is fun to see !
That sign is perfect..and I love mashed potatoes made ahead in this fashion.Cute cute sign and flowers..
You are feeling better?:)
Much better Monique. The limp is gone, which means I will resume my daily turn at walking the dog. Still facing surgery in the future.
What a wonderful time of year to be spending more time outdoors and eating on porches and patios! Your mashed potato casserole sounds like the perfect side dish for a grilled meal oudoors with no last minute fuss in the kitchen. We need those kinds of recipes now that we’re not house bound any more! Both salads look wonderful too! Hope your ankle is better 🙂
So glad that Spring is here Susan. It is nice to be able to grill and eat outside. Hope it has warmed up where you are. Ankle is much better thanks!
Everything you posted looks wonderful! Love your new sign and the beautiful flower basket. Hope you are feeling better!
Thanks Darla. Looking forward to seeing you for Rachel’s birthday. I am much better.
Love your “ramblings”. 🙂 It all looks good to me.
Hope you are healing well.
M.
Blogging friends are the best Madonna. Thanks for your concern. The ankle is much better. I am waiting to meet with the ortho. surgeon again about having plates and pins removed.
The potatoes sound fast and tasty, Penny. Al will do the grill at the lake but for some reason not at home…we need to work on that.
I’m sure if was a blast to have “old” friends at your place…great moments!
Love your flowers!
Jane x
Thanks Jane! It was great catching up with a friend from years ago. We still “connect” with each other. Hope your pup is healing well.
Oh my goodness Penny! I’m so happy I found your blog! What a great recipe, I”m always looking for a new potato recipe! I loved reading about your ramblings. How nice to have a friend move closer to you and you did have such a wonderful meal prepared for her! What fun to be a chef,and a good one! I’ll be back, no doubt!
Nancy
So glad you stopped by Nancy. I have just visited your lovely blog. Come back for a visit anytime.
Rambling posts are the best kind, Penny. Glad you had good fun and good food with your old friend…also the best kind of day.
I think your mashed potato casserole would be perfect for Thanksgiving, all done ahead of time and stuck in the oven to warm up. There is always too much to do for Thanksgiving dinner, this would be a great time saver plus delicious!
I agree Barbara. The potatoes would be perfect for Thanksgiving. Have a great week!
Thanks for stopping by Southern Estates recently. We enjoyed
meeting you and your friend, Penny. Also appreciate the photos
of the shop. Next time, please visit The Little Lamp Shop (a shop
within Southern Estates). Love- love- love your blog and
recipes. Keep them coming and please visit Greenville often!
Joy
Thanks Joy. We loved your shop so much and I am happy that you are enjoying my blog.