Creamy Potato Carrot Mash

This post is sponsored by Libby's Fruits and Vegetables®.  Creamy Potato Carrot Mash is a simple and delicious side dish that is made by combining smooth and creamy mashed potatoes with sweet carrots.

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

• 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

1. 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.
2. Meanwhile, heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter has completely melted.  
3. 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!