I Rocked the Taters!

I said I'd bring mashed potatoes to Thanksgiving at Gretchen's. She wanted her son Paul to learn to make them so Grampa set up a tutorial because he thinks he's some hot shit potato masher dude. Then Gretchen started calling it The Mashed Potato Throwdown. Next thing I know, my niece Jill wants in on the action. And the trash talkin' commenced.

Pulease, people.

I knew I was perhaps taking this a bit too seriously when I said to my 80 year old dad when he arrived at Gretchen's today, "You're going down, old man!"

What's that? Who won, you ask? Why moi of course! And above is the bedazzled trophy that Gretchen and Jill made. I could not be more proud.

My potatoes included the usual butter and milk, salt and freshly ground black pepper, plus diced thick cut bacon, cheddar cheese and just a dollop of sour cream. Then I added a layer of shredded cheddar to the top and broiled it, adding homemade fried onions for garnish and presentation. I should have taken a photo when it came out of the oven - it looked great!

We think a new tradition has been born. Next year: a Stuffing Throwdown.

Simon insisted we have shrimp cocktail today so I asked him to arrange it attractively. Even he knows presentation is everything!

I have about a skillion things to be thankful for - primarily family and friends whom I love and love me back. Life is good.

Time for a nap.

Happy Thanksgiving!