Thanksgiving Side Dishes 101: Garlic and Basil Mashed Potatoes
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: November 15, 2016

Mashed potatoes have their own pedestal on the Thanksgiving table.  While they are the perfect vehicle for homemade gravy, mashed potatoes are also delicious in their own right.  This particular version is flavored with roasted garlic and basil pesto creating an unforgettable side dish.  How do you like your mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comment section below.
Garlic and Basil Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
1 large bulb garlic
	1 teaspoon olive oil
	1/4 cup chopped green onion
	1/4 cup butter
	2 1/2 pounds Yukon potatoes, peeled, quarterd and cooked
	1/2 cup half and half (plus more if necessary)
	1/4 cup basil pesto
	white pepper and salt, to taste
	Directions:
	Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
	Step 2: Place garlic in foil, drizzle well with olive oil, salt and pepper. Wrap up. Place in a small baking pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.  You'll know when it's done because the house will smell amazing. Let cool, then squeeze out the garlic pulp. Discard the skins.
	Step 3: In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute the garlic pulp and green onions in butter until tender.
	Step 4: In a big bowl, rice your potatoes (yes, you CAN mash them, but riced are fluffier).  Add the green onion, garlic and half and half and mash potato mixture until smooth and well-blended.
	Step 5: Stir in basil pesto and season with salt and white pepper.