Apple Turnip Mashed Potatoes

I hope you aren't tired of root vegetables yet. We've got a long way to go my friends! This is one of those great recipes for people scared to try a new root vegetable. I made this once or twice last winter and really enjoyed it. The turnips are there and if you look for them, you can taste them. But the garlic and apples help blend everything together into a really great mash. When my room mate tried it she said "I don't know what turnips taste like." I then told her to look for the taste that wasn't potato. She then nodded and said she could kind of taste them, but on the whole - the garlic, apples, and bacon hide the taste.

This recipe comes from Southern Living: 2008 Annual Recipes. Yes it serves eight, but with a little effort it can easily be cut down for two. When making it for two, I use two small sized of each turnips and potatoes, 1 bacon slice, 1/2 an apple, 1/2 head of garlic (maybe less), a couple of tablespoons of buttermilk, 1/2 tablespoon of butter, and then salt and pepper to taste. This is not a science... so don't worry about exact measurements. Oh yes... and for anyone who doesn't know. To roast garlic you put whole head or whole cloves into a packet of foil with some olive oil. Put in a oven safe dish and bake it for like an hour 350-400F. Your garlic should come out a beautiful golden color and just squish out (after you let it cool - of course).

This also makes the perfect dish to bring to winter parties. It's seasonal and something different than regular mashed potatoes. I made it for a party end of the semester party at a friends house. I even made it vegetarian for the friends party - which just means I cooked the apples in vegetable oil and left the bacon out completely. . Yeah... it's not the same but they all enjoyed it - and I guess that's what Christmas is about? Making others happy?

Did you make any new side dishes for your holiday dinners? Are you mashing roots together and hoping no one notices? Share your tips, tricks, and recipes in the comments section!

Apple Turnip Mashed Potatoes
(Serves Eight)

1 lb turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 bacon slices, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 medium-sized Golden Delicious apples, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup roasted garlic
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoon melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Bring the turnips, potatoes, and salted water to cover to a boil in a Dutch oven; cook 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Drain.

2. Cook bacon in a medium nonstick skillet over a medium-high heat, 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp; remove bacon, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon. Saute apple in hot drippings in skillet, 6 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.

3. Combine apples, turnips potatoes, garlic, and thyme in a bowl; mash until blended (will be chunky). Stir in buttermilk and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a bowl.

4. Serve immediately. Sprinkle with bacon just before serving.