I like to experiment with new recipes most of the time, but especially when we are entertaining or during the holidays. Those are the same exact two times when Eric prefers to go with something traditional that we’ve perfected over the years. This year, I am getting my way and doing a non-traditional mashed potato recipe for Thanksgiving! My traditionalist family gave in since I’m practically the only one who eats the mashed potatoes anyway!

All of this came about because I made these as a side dish to one of Eric’s all time favorite meat dishes last week. I learned shortly after we were married (a really, really long time ago) that Eric has loved having meatloaf for dinner since he was a kid. I attempted to surprise him a few times with meatloaf for dinner in our early years together. It usually didn’t work out too well. One of the first times I made a meatloaf, I was trying to pour the grease off the top of the cooked meatloaf into the sink and somehow, the entire loaf fell out of the pan and onto the floor! Later on, I would sometimes make it as a surprise for Eric even though Kelly did not like meatloaf. But it seemed like every time I did, Eric would end up working late and not being home for dinner. Kelly would not be pleased with either of us on those occasions. Meatloaf seemed cursed in our house and I stopped making it for many years.

Fast forward to last week. Eric, Kelly & Gilbert were all going to be home for a weeknight dinner. Eric knew I wanted to try out this new mashed potato recipe and he suggested I make them as a side to his & Gilbert’s current meatloaf favorite, Cajun Meat Loaf. I quickly agreed. The meatloaf came out great and the mashed potatoes were a hit with all of us. I won’t be the only one to eat the mashed potatoes this year, but the meatloaf curse still persists. Gilbert did not make it home for dinner on meatloaf night! Just like old times, Kelly was still not pleased with having to eat meatloaf!

Spanakopita Mashed Potatoes

Spanakopita Mashed Potatoes  (adapted from tasteofhome.com)   Makes 6 servings Total Time Required: Prep, 10 minutes; Cook, 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, quartered
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Directions:

Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring them to a boil, then educe the heat and cover and cook them for 15-20 minutes, until they are tender.

Meanwhile, in another large saucepan, bring 1/2 inch of water to a boil. Add the spinach, cover the pot and boil the spinach for 3-5 minutes, until it is wilted. Drain the spinach and then coarsely chop it. Keep the spinach warm until the potatoes are ready.

Cook the potatoes & spinach.

Drain the potatoes, then return them to the saucepan and let the rest of the water evaporate from the potatoes. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the pot and mash it all together until the potatoes are smooth.

Mash the potatoes with the milk, butter, salt & pepper.

Fold in the cheese and spinach.

Add in the feta & spinach,

Serve immediately.

Great with turkey or meatloaf!

Next to the stuffing, the mashed potatoes are the best part of my Thanksgiving meal!  ~Linda

Spanakopita Mashed Potatoes  (adapted from tasteofhome.com)   Makes 6 servings Total Time Required: Prep, 10 minutes; Cook, 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, quartered
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Directions:

Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring them to a boil, then educe the heat, cover and cook them for 15-20 minutes, until they are tender.

Meanwhile, in another large saucepan, bring 1/2 inch of water to a boil. Add the spinach, cover the pot and boil the spinach for 3-5 minutes, until it is wilted. Drain the spinach and then coarsely chop it. Keep the spinach warm until the potatoes are ready.

Drain the potatoes, then return them to the saucepan and let the rest of the water evaporate from the potatoes. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the pot and mash it all together until the potatoes are smooth. Fold in the cheese and spinach. Serve immediately.