Recipe(tried): Mashed Potato Recipes - Snowy Potatoes with Ham and Do-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Dear Colette,

I have two recipes, both of which I make repeatedly and everyone seems to love. In fact, they come back for seconds and thirds. The first one is a Hungarian recipe from "Hungarian Cooking" by Ruth Bauder Kershner. This one is my favorite. The second is from my mother-in-law who makes them every Christmas. Both can be made ahead and cooked just before serving.

Snowy Potatoes with Ham

5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
water
1 teaspoon salt
1 3-ounce package cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
pinch of white pepper
2 tablespoons chopped chives
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup diced baked ham
paprika

Place potatoes in large saucepan; cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook 20 to 25 minutes or until tender. Drain well. Combine potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic salt and pepper in mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Stir in chives. Place in 1 and 1/2 quart lightly greased casserole. Melt butter in small saucepan. Add ham and saute until lightly browned. Scatter ham over potato casserole. Drizzle with butter from saucepan. Sprinkle lightly with paprika. Baked at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until lightly browned and heated through. Makes 4 generous servings or 6 regular.

Do-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Instant mashed potatoes, enough for 6 to 8 servings
6 slices bacon
1/2 large red bell or green pepper, or a combination, seeded and chopped
1 medium sized onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Prepare 6 to 8 servings of instant potatoes according to package directions. Meanwhile in a wide frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain and crumble. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings. Add the bell pepper, onion and garlic to pan and cook until onion is limp. Stir onion mixture into the potatoes with the egg, pepper and half the cheese. Spoon mixture into a greased, shallow 2 quart casserole. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Cover and chill up to 24 hours. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes or until hot throughout.

I truly hope you and your friends enjoy these. Bon appetit!