Once A Year Guilty Pleasures

Do you have those foods that you just LOVE... that you CRAVE.... one's that are full of guilt, but are just so darn good. You know, the ones you make like one time a year, and completely gorge yourself with because you know you only get them one time a year. I made one of those for Christmas dinner this year (I have tons of these recipes, but I just made one). Of course, getting away with a recipe like this clearly calls for the excuse, "It's Christmas"! World famous caramelized onion cornbread stuffing from Tyler Florence. It's just that good! I also made mashed potatoes, and played around with an old recipe to change it up a bit with what I had on hand, and let me tell you... they turned out amazing! Hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas!

Caramelized Onion Cornbread Stuffing
Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 onions, chopped
* 6 large cornmeal muffins, cubed
* 1 egg
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup chicken stock
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper


Place cubed cornbread muffins in a large bowl.


Saute onions in a pan with butter until golden brown and caramelized. Then, mix onions together with cornbread.

In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken stock, egg, and whipping cream until well blended, then pour over cornbread and onion mixture and mix well.


Place in a buttered 8" x 8" baking dish and bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 min or until golden brown. Then, divulge and enjoy!!!!


Smashed New Potatoes
I usually make my mashed potatoes with warm cream, but wanted to try a version with cheese, and had the mascarpone cheese on hand. Thought it sounded delicious, and so I replaced the cream with the cheese. They turned out super creamy and velvety, and were a big hit!

Ingredients:
~3 lbs new red potatoes, cubed with skins on
1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
4 oz. mascarpone cheese
drizzle olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Place diced potatoes in a large pot covered with 2" water. Boil on medium high heat for ~ 15 min or until knife goes through them easily. Drain and return to pot.



Using hand held mixer or wooden spoon, mash potatoes together until slightly lumpy.

Add Parmesan cheese, mascarpone cheese, drizzle of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Using hand mixer, continue to mix until cheeses are melted and potatoes smooth. Transfer to serving bowl and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

And Tada! The finished product!

What's your favorite once a year guilty pleasure?