I herald the potato in every form, but when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, mashed potatoes are a must. But as someone who's enjoyed basic mashed potatoes for the past several years, I'm ready to try something new. Enter a puree of potatoes, basil, and parmesan, courtesy of Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That?, Ina Garten's new book.
If you're a pestophile, you won't be able to get enough of its intoxicating anise-like flavor and its impossibly airy texture, which is achieved not through one of those expensive potato ricers or food mills but rather a good ol' mixer — something most home cooks actually have. For an exceptionally flavorful twist on Thanksgiving's most nostalgic side dish, read on.