First of all, thank you to the sweet readers who responded to my comments about moving my mom to an independent living place. I didn’t want to bring my personal life into my blog so much, but I did want to let those of you who wrote something, know we had a breakthrough yesterday afternoon. Up till then it was pretty horrific… her not wanting to go… it was one of the hardest days of my life… it seemed like an impossibility that she could ever change her mind, but miraculously and by God’s grace, she softened and we were able to begin the process of moving… there were lots of details and crummy things that happened, but I’d rather not dwell on them and just look forward to what lies ahead. Cindy and her hubby came to help and so did Deb. You can bet your bottom dollar her apartment will be the cutest one at the place!!! I might have to take a few pictures along the way…
We’d appreciate your prayers for the next few days for a smooth transition… it’s been rough…I’m ready for smooth!! :o)
I have been making these Special Company Potatoes for as long as my hubby and I have been married! They are that good! A friend from Texas gave me the recipe 35 years ago and I guess we think they are pretty special because they are my go-to potato for something just a little bit different than regular mashed potatoes. The nice thing is they are SUPER, DUPER easy to make… I made them for both of my Thanksgiving dinners and both times they were a hit. I was asked about the recipe and decided I might as well share it since I’m busy with my family for a few days…
Once I tell you how to do it, you won’t even need the recipe, but I’ll walk you through this first time with some pictures.
* Make 8 servings of any brand instant potatoes, following the directions on the box… (you can use real mashed potatoes, (probably 4 cups) but I usually use instant.) Usually the directions are something like this…
Bring the water, butter and salt to a boil…
Remove from the heat and add in your milk and then the potato flakes… I used this box of potatoes…
Get it all smooth and creamy…
* While still in the pan, add one 8 oz. carton of sour cream and one 8 oz. package of cream cheese. Stir thoroughly until everything is all blended.
* Salt and pepper the potatoes…
* Place the potatoes into a buttered 2 or 2-1/2 quart dish. (or in the crock pot on “low” as I did for Thanksgiving.)
* Dot with 4 or 5 pats of butter and sprinkle lightly with paprika.
* Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees until bubbly! YUMMY!
So just for a recap, it’s super simple… make 8 servings of Instant Mashed potatoes, add 8 oz. of cream cheese and 8 oz. of sour cream. Mix well and place in a buttered dish and dot with butter and paprika… Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees… See, I told you it was simple. It’s very easy to double the recipe too…which I usually do!
You’ll have to let me know what you think…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
First of all, hang in there Jeanne, your mother will grow to love her new place and the release of all those home responsibilities. I would LOVE to see pictures of it when it’s done. With the talent in your family, how could it not be adorable!
I’m stashing that potato recipe away for Christmas, or maybe just a plain ole dinner with my family.
Jeanne, the “smooth” is coming through nicely with your mother! I’m so happy that you have finally been able to get somewhere on the move, and yes, we all would love to see pictures of her place! Your family deserves the peace of mind that this move brings. Does she read your blog? It looks like Christmas will be happy and maybe now you will be able to get more sewing done! God does have a way to work things out, as you can see now.
And, another “smooth” thing is that potato recipe! That looks super easy to do, and does away with the peeling! I’ve used Betty Crocker Instant Mashed potatoes for years, mainly because I don’t like to peel potatoes—-or anything else for that matter. These look so good, I think I will try them for Christmas, along with whatever else we might be having. They looks so good and will go with anything!
I’m glad to hear that things are going better with Mom.
The potato recipe looks wonderful. I can imagine the mixing of flavors. It sounds very good. And so easy too! I’m going to remember it.
Hope you have a good day.
Take care –
Hi Jeanne;
So glad to hear you were finally able to convince your mom to make the move. I know it is a very trying time riddled with guilt and a boat load of emotions but in your heart you know you have done the right thing. Her safety was such a concern not to mention , as Ann pointed out, all the responsibilities and costs of maintaining her home.
I too would love to see pics of her apartment after your family is done decorating it. I know this is a dolly blog and of course that is what attracted all of us to your blog but we still have “life” to deal with and I think we all like to know what is going on with you. I am happy to keep your mom & your family in prayer.
Thanks so much for sharing the company potato recipe – I definitely will try it.
Blessings to you & Family
So glad to hear things are moving a little more smoothly for your mom and you and George and your siblings. I agree with what everyone says about the move. Take a day at a time. I wouldn’t say this unless I hadn’t gone through this myself.
It’ll be neat to see your mom’s new home as you all fix it up.
Thanks for the recipe – does look easy and good. Take care.
Just curious, but since your mother is in independent living, can that go to assisted living if the need arrives and stay in the same location? Would love to see photos of the decor. Hoping things settle down today for you. Such a turbulent time.
Great idea on the potatoes. Have you tried Costco mashed? Because they have them in the cold section and make them on site. Fresh cooked real potatoes and so cheap you’ll never peel them again. Just like regular mashed, and we added the goodies like you. Just microwave and they are ready. They were great at Thanksgiving for thirteen.
Looks like the rain is over and clear for today. Sparkling outside.
I sure agree with Joy on the Costco mashed potatoes. Taste great and not so many calories. However, my Indian and Chinese daughters-in-law look askance at food that’s not fresh and fix them from scratch. Costco turkey roll with stuffing is great too.
So glad Momma is getting settled. Hope she’ll love it. I do hope she has her immunizations up to date as it’s important when living close to so many people: pneumonia, shingles and flu, maybe others the doc will recommend. We’d all love to see pictures of her apartment. Here’s to more sewing in your future.
Prayers answered! Thanks for letting us know that things are moving along with your mother. Please take care of yourself in all of this.
Thanks for the recipe! I thought it was going to be the one made with frozen hash browns—which we really like—but this is one I haven’t tried yet. Anything that starts with instant potatoes is definitely going on my list of recipes to try.
As for mom, I have been through the same thing with my dad, and yes, it can get ugly. But, once they can see their way clear to take the first step, it will get much easier, and I am praying she will adjust quickly and be happy she finally consented to move. I’m just glad your sisters are there for help and support!
Hi Jeanne,
Prayers for a smooth transition. I’m sure your mom will meet new friends and enjoy all the activities that are offered. I’m sure she’ll come to enjoy her new place.
The potato recipe sounds yummy. I’ll have to add that to the recipe box.
Take care of yourself
Hugs
Ingrid