Two Sides

“And what sides do you want with that?”

The question most likely to receive a response of “uhhhh….” as the diner quickly looks for the listing of sides in the menu.

Like many people, I’ll vary my sides depending on what I am having and what I am feeling like. Well, that’s true unless I am having BBQ. Then it is beans and slaw. I’ll sometimes add a third side (maybe mac and cheese), but never vary my BBQ sides. Other than that it will often be a side salad and a starch (fries, baked potato, risotto, pasta). I try not to get two starches, no matter how good it sounds at the time. My boys have not had this rule.

My eldest has often times used both choices of side to get two orders of mac and cheese. My youngest recently ordered bacon cheddar french fries and a loaded baked potato!

He would have loved this side dish that was served at last year’s Gourmet Club (English theme).

Bacon-Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

2lbs Small Potatoes

1 cup Milk

½ stick Butter

1 cup Shredded Cheddar

Bacon

Scallions

Directions

Simmer 2 pounds small potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes; drain. Cool slightly, then peel. Heat 1 cup milk with 1/2 stick butter. Mash the potatoes with the hot milk and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar. Top with crumbled cooked bacon and sliced scallions.   I left some small cubes of potato aside to give it that English touch.