Augratin Potatoes

Mix:
1/2 c. melted butter
1 c. onion, diced
2 c. sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp salt
Cook on low heat until onions become iridescent, let simmer for 10 minutes.  Set aside.

Mix:
2 c. flour (a little at a time and mix well to avoid lumps)
3 c. milk
2 c. half and half
1 c. heavy cream
Simmer for 1/2 hour (mixture will be thin)

Add:
1 c. sour cream
1/2 quart shredded milk cheddar cheese
Remove from heat.

The Potatoes:
Potatoes that have been baked until they are almost done.  Slice potatoes then and mix in the sauce.  You will used 1/2 quart of sauce to 2 quarts sliced potatoes.  Spread mixture into baking pan.  Cover and cook at 3oo degrees for 30 minutes.  Uncover and top with 1/2 c. cheddar cheese.  Bake for 10 minutes more.  Sprinkle with paprika and fresh parsley.

Whipped Potatoe Casserole

2 days to the big day!!!

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Coat a 2 quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Place 5 pounds peeled, quartered potatoes in a large pot.  Add enough water to cover.  Lightly salt and bring to a boil.  Lower heat; simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until fork-tender.  Drain

In large bowl, mash potatoes with hand mixer.  Add 1/2 c. softened butter, 1 1/4 c. half & half, 8 oz. cream cheese with chives, 1 tsp. garlic salt and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg.   Beat potatoes on medium-high speed until very smooth.  Spoon into prepared dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Sprinkle with 1 c. sliced almonds; bake 15 minutes more until lightly browned.  Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Boiled potatoes

This is such an easy side dish with minimal ingredients!

6 red potatoes (aprox. 2 lbs.), peeled and halved
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 Tbsp. fresh dill, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. parsley
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

Place potatoes in a large pot of water. Bring to boil and cook until fork tender (15 - 18 minutes). Drain and transfer to a warm serving bowl. Add butter and season with salt and pepper. Toss with herbs.

Potatoes can be made up to 1 day ahead and them warmed over low heat.

Potato cakes

My Grandma used to make these but she called them German Pancakes

2 cups cold mashed potatoes (prepared with milk and butter)
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS
Combine the first four ingredients; mix well. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add potato mixture; press with a spatula to flatten evenly. Cover and cook for 8 minutes or until bottom is crispy. Invert onto a serving