We decided to try out a new pumpkin pie recipe this year and learned a couple things. 1. it's not always good to try out new recipes on staples for the holidays 2. light baking is overrated. The pie was fine, but not a winner or something I'd make again.

Mashed potatoes on the other hand seem to be hard to mess up and when you make them ahead as a casserole they are a fool proof and a crowd pleaser. 4 c. hot mashed potatoes combined with 8 oz. cream cheese. add in 1 egg, 1/2 c. chopped onion, salt, pepper, then bake at 350 for 45 min.