Thanksgiving Recipes

The older I get, the more I appreciate Thanksgiving, and it has become one of my favorite holidays. I wonder if that is because there is no stress of shopping, no controversy, just a great meal spent with loved ones, with time for reflection on what we are thankful for. Part of what makes the meal great is the recipes that have been in our family for years. It brings back flavors of childhood, as well as memories of Thanksgivings past when certain dear faces were still seen seated around the table. One of the hardest things for me about being a newlywed was taking turns, and sharing Thanksgiving with Ed's family. I missed the hustle and bustle of our large (30+) family, the traditions, and most of all the food. I have grown accustomed to the every-other year aspect of our system, but in the off years I still miss certain dishes (even though I do bring a couple with me). This is a year with my family, and I am gong to be bringing pumpkin to the meal as well as an apple and sweet potato dish that I always seem to make, no matter which family we eat with. Among many other delicious offerings, there will be "Yai's mashed potatoes", a family favorite that my grandmother used to make in huge batches each year. I will share both of these recipes below, but I would like to know- what are your tried-and-true favorites for Thanksgiving? Post the recipe on your blog, then come back here and leave a link in the comments. I will post your links below as well.

Sweet Potatoes and Apples

4 med. cooking apples
5 med. sweet potatoes/yams
1/2 c brown sugar
1/4 c pecans
1/2 c melted butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt

Boil potatoes until tender, cool, peel, and slice in 1/4 inch rings. Peel and core apples, slice into 1'4 inch pieces. Use 9 x 11 inch dish or 2 1/2 qt casserole dish. Lay half the sweet potatoes across the bottom in rows, then apples on top in the next layer, and finishing with the remainder of potatoes. Combine the rest of the ingredients and pour over the potatoes and apples. Bake at 350 for an hour.

"Yai's" Garlic Mashed Potatoes

14 medium potatoes, peeled
8 0z cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tsp salt
1-3 cloves of garlic, depending on taste
1 Tbsp butter
paprika

Boil potatoes, and then mash in a mixer. Add cream cheese and sour cream, and then salt and garlic. Beat until smooth and light. Spoon into a 2-3 qt. casserole dish. Sprinkle with paprika and dot with butter. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350.
(Can be prepared, frozen, and then baked when needed)