Ah, Spring is in the air. Can you feel it? Well, maybe you can't if you're up north. In Florida where I am, Spring is in full swing! Even if you are still bogged down with that pesky lingering winter weather, as least you can rest assured knowing that the first official day of spring has finally arrived and some gorgeous long-awaited fun in the sun is on the horizon.
I just love the changing of the seasons and Spring brings along a feeling of renewal and somehow just makes me feel lighter. The days are getting longer and the nights are getting warmer. It's time to get in gear for outdoor meals and family get-togethers, dust off the patio furniture, and break out the lounge chairs!
As we begin planning outdoor barbecues and holiday gatherings, Libby’s® Fruits & Vegetables can help you with your menu planning, providing inspiring recipes and tips to brighten up your springtime meals while keeping nutritional value high and grocery costs manageable.
I always try to be on the ball when it comes to preparing my family well-balanced meals and saving money is always on my mind when I'm at the store. (I'm a Couponer, remember?!) Incorporating Libby's Fruits and Vegetables into my menu planning is a no-brainer for me!
For this recipe, I've used Libby's Sliced Carrots to spruce up a traditional side dish... creamy mashed potatoes! Just like Spring breathes new life into the weather, it's also the perfect time to breathe new life into your old recipes!
These new and improved mashed potatoes are extra creamy thanks to the cream cheese and heavy cream. Oh, so indulgent but oh, so worth it. They are perfect for your holiday get-togethers. They would be an excellent addition to any Easter spread!
The carrots add a boost of nutrition to your spuds and the pretty color is perfect for springtime, don't you think? You could even use two cans of carrots! Either way, I know you'll love them in all their creamy and delicious glory!
Creamy Potato Carrot Mash
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes


Ingredients
- 2 pounds red potatoes, peeled
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 can Libby's Sliced Carrots, drained
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsps butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Place the potatoes into a large pot and cover with water (1 inch over potatoes). Add salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and boil for 15 minutes. Add the carrots to the water and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Drain and return to the pot.
- Meanwhile, heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter has completely melted.
- Add cream cheese, cream and butter, and salt to the potatoes and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. For extra creaminess, you can process them through a food mill.
Notes
- If your red potatoes are fairly large, cut them in half. The potatoes should be roughly 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter before boiling.
- Peeling the potatoes, or not peeling them, is really up to you. I like these potatoes to be extra creamy, so I peel them to get the texture I'm going for.
- This post is sponsored by Libby's. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Now, how about we have a GIVEAWAY!
I'm super excited because I've partnered again with the good folks at Libby's for another fabulous giveaway!
One Winner will Receive a Nutri Ninja™ Pro and an assortment of Libby’s products. (Over $100 ERV!)
- To enter, leave a COMMENT on this blog post telling me what your favorite Spring side dish is.
- Contest ends April 1st at 11:59 pm.
- Open to US only.
- Winner will be chosen via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner chosen. Good luck!
When I think of spring I think of carrots. Carrots seem to go with just about any meal for me. I like to keep it simple. I found this yummy recipe that has become a favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteDirections
Cook 1 cup small shallots with 2 tablespoons butter and a pinch each of sugar (I use brown sugar instead and usually a little more than a pinch) and salt in a skillet until light brown, about 4 minutes. Add 1 pound baby carrots, 2 more tablespoons butter and 1/4 cup water; simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Top with toasted almonds and chopped tarragon.
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/glazed-baby-carrots-recipe.html?oc=linkback
Chop salad with fresh vegetables and certainly cheese And bleu cheese vinaigrette.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of a spring dish, I think of oven roasted ham with mashed potatoes.
ReplyDeleteSteamed artichokes with lemon butter dipping sauce!
ReplyDeleteI love salads. I'm sure my husband is sick of salads but they're so easy and delicious!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Rebecca! You are the winner of this giveaway! Please respond to thetwobiteclub@gmail.com to redeem your prize.
DeleteMy favorite go to Spring season side dish would definitely be creamy potato salad. So versatile, you can dress it up many different, delicious ways.
ReplyDeleteSpring time is time to break out the pasta salad, and it can stay around all through the summer too!
ReplyDeleteYour Potato Carrot Mash sounds delicious!!
In the spring, I love a nice fruit salad for a side dish! Healthy and super delicious!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite spring side dish is potato salad. I especially like to eat it with ruffled potato chips.
ReplyDeleteasotv@aol.com
Garlic parmessian baked zucchini chips!
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-Sarah Jarrard
I love roasted asparagus
ReplyDeleteI love asparagus. Or as my nephew has called it; Gus Gus. But I also love all the new spring vegetables that come out this time of year. Everything is always so yummy.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite spring side dish is sautéed spinach with garlic and crushed red pepper.
ReplyDeleteSweet peas. mandaoverturf at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteMy favorite spring side dish is deviled eggs.
ReplyDeletekellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
My favorite spring side dish is also deviled eggs!!
ReplyDeletecricketlady29@hotmail.com
My favorite spring side dish is caprese.
ReplyDeletelittledoeeyes85@yahoo.com
Asparagus
ReplyDeleteAsparagus here too. The price is finally coming down a bit. Love it roasted with olive oil and herb seasoning.
ReplyDeleteHome made Cole Slaw is my fav spring side!
ReplyDeleteflagler.redfish@yahoo.com
Green beans is my favorite.
ReplyDelete2dogs5catscrew@att.net
A nice salad
ReplyDeleteBacon balsamic Brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus, bacon wrapped asparagus, smashed red garlic potatoes, and now this one ....YUMMO! I do need the blender though..lol mine just died
ReplyDeleteCut up fruit tossed with greek vanilla yogurt is my FAV spring side dish :)
ReplyDeleteheatheranne99 at gmail dot com
Lots and lots of veggies. Asparagus is a good spring side. There is a broccoli recipe I do with sesame seeds that is really light and crisp.
ReplyDeletei am all for some homemade potato salad oh and dirt pudding for the kiddos :)
ReplyDeletePuttputt57849 at aol dot com
Being from the south. I love love love potato salad!!
ReplyDeleteI love artichokes! They are my absolute favorite side dish:)
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