Posts Tagged ‘Mashed Potato Volcano’

How To Make a Mashed Potato Volcano

Monday, January 24th, 2011

When I think of American food, I instantly think of one of my favorite meals, beef stroganoff with mashed potatoes, gravy and corn. What makes this meal a favorite? Aside from the food itself, which is delicious, I thoroughly enjoy making my mashed potato volcano. Because you’re never too old to play with your food, I’ve included steps to make the ultimate mashed potato volcano.

1. Get a huge scoop of mashed potatoes. Then, using the backside of your spoon, smooth the edges.

2. Using the backside of your gravy ladle, create your “crater” by gently pushing it into the top of the potatoes. Make sure you don’t push down too far, or you’ll crack the volcano and your gravy will seep out. Some seepage is good, but too much makes a mess.

3. Add a hefty serving of beef stroganoff to your volcano.

4. Top with corn.

I added a side salad to my final dish. Nom nom nom!

*Thanks Mom for helping me photograph this meal! Maybe you can post your beef stroganoff recipe for readers to try?

♥ BB

bloglovin

Christmas 2010

Saturday, December 25th, 2010

Here’s a few photos from Christmas 2010.

Our morning started with stockings and presents. Santa brought Mom a customized Starbucks photo tumbler. Apparently he knows Photoshop. I got cash (going towards car maintenance) and a new Sonicare. I also oversaw photos and couldn’t pass up a photo with Fritz. He is terrified of my SLR, so this is progress for him.

After presents and cookies, we packed the cars and drove to Seattle. We drove separate vehicles since I’m staying the week between Christmas and New Years. We made it to the Island around 4:15. I’d only eaten a cookie for breakfast and couldn’t wait to delve into the cheese and cracker platters. Mom also made tins of Chex Mix.

The Alpaugh women did work in the kitchen. Auntie Biz made the best roast with gravy. Grandma made fruit salad. Even the younger kids helped with rolls. As always, my (college-aged) cousins and I sat at the kids table. I made my famous mashed potato volcano, complete with corn, beef and green beans. Dinner talk consisted of holiday gifts, college or career goals, significant others and Dateline’s To Catch a Predator.

Later we took our traditional family photo for Grandma’s New Years card. We also (for some unknown reason) video ourselves singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” How or why this tradition started, I don’t know. I hate singing, let alone on camera. As always, Christmas was a success. We ate warm food, in a cozy house, with 20 other people who love us. What better gift can a person ask for?

What was the best gift you received this year? What about best gift you gave?

♥ BB