Mashed Potatoes With Celery

Directions

1. Cook potatoes, sliced celery, garlic, and bay leaves in pot of boiling salted water till potatoes are tender, about 12 min. Drain potatoes. Return to same pot; remove bay leaves.
2. Add in cream and butter and mash well. Season with salt and pepper. Rewarm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Transfer potato mix to bowl; sprinkle with minced celery leaves.
3. This recipe yields 8 servings.
4. Comments: "I have a 'stragglers Thanksgiving' - which's what I call it - at my house every year," writes Frances Teasley of North Hollywood, California. "I know a lot of people who, like me, do not have any family nearby. Thirteen years ago I started inviting a few people for dinner. And which small holiday gathering has become a big tradition among my friends. For weekday meals, I look for shortcuts and do-aheads. But for holiday meals, I like to do everything the same day because I love the smell of cooking which fills the house."