Arguing With Myself

I'm glad that food magazines run Thanksgiving ideas in the September issue.  It gives me time to argue with myself - try this just this once or stick with what I know and save these for another occasion? 

So as a public service, I present herewith:

MASHED POTATOES WITH JALAPENO AND CHEDDAR
Make mashed potatoes in your own style then stir in shredded white cheddar until it is melted and then add one large seeded and minced jalapeno pepper.

MASHED POTATOES WITH BACON AND MUSTARD
Cook 1/2 lb. thick bacon until it's crisp, drain it and chop it.
Get rid of all but 2 T of bacon grease and add one large red onion, chopped.  Get that going well and pour in 1/4 cup apple cider, 2 T wholegrain mustard and a teaspoon of celery seeds and cook.  Fold in the bacon and onion mixture and add to mashed potatoes.

HARISSA-WHIPPED SWEET POTATOES
Bake the sweet potatoes in the oven, then mash them and add 1/4 cup of harissa and beat in.  Harissa is a Tunisian spice made of red roasted peppers, Serrano chilies, garlic paste, coriander, hot chili powder and caraway.

WHIPPED SWEET POTATOES WITH COCONUT AND GINGER
Bake and mash the sweet potatoes and add 3/4 cup of unsweetened coconut cream and 1 1/2 T of freshly-grated peeled ginger.  Garnish with dried coconut flakes.

Good ideas all, but Thanksgiving is Thanksgiving after all ...