Gracie’s Tasty Turkey Potato Skins

Enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers with this tasty recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 6 to 8 Russet potatoes (approx. 3 – 4 lbs)
  • 1 1/2 cups each leftover mashed potatoes, cubed or shredded leftover turkey, leftover stuffing
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper             
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce 
  • Sour cream 
  • Kosher salt
  • Butter
  • Green onions or fresh chives

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Scrub potatoes, dry well, coat lightly with olive oil, pierce with a fork a few times on each side. Place on foil or parchment paper and roast for 50 – 60 minutes, until a knife can be inserted easily. Let cool. 

Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out potato flesh with spoon, leaving a 1/4″ border. Set aside potato flesh for another use. Reduce oven to 400 degrees. Place potato skins skin side down on a wire rack and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until crisp. Brush skins inside with melted butter and salt to taste.

Mix white pepper thoroughly into the mashed potatoes. Layer potatoes, turkey and stuffing into potato skins. Top generously with cheese. Place on baking sheet. Bake for another 15 minutes or so, until cheese is melted and ingredients are warmed through. Top with a spot of cranberry sauce, a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onions or chives. 

Serve as a hearty appetizer or a small meal. Enjoy!

Instant Family 

2018 Family comedy-drama 
118 Minutes –   PG13
Streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV

This is a tender and happy film that will open your heart—the story of a married couple who explore the possibility of adopting a teenager out of the foster system. When they meet Lizzy at an open house for foster children, they are drawn to her strength and charm. Little do they know that she comes with a younger brother and sister. Their mother is a drug addict and in jail. Chaos is the name of game for these first-time parents in their learning curve to take care of a traumatized teenager and her two wary siblings. There are lots of laughs and a few tears as this new family comes together. 

Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne are lovely as the new parents, Pete and Ellie. Lizzy’s character is played by the beautiful Isabela Merced who passionately captures her scenes. The supporting cast includes Oscar winner Octavia Spencer and Tig Notaro as the foster placement counselors. They make connections happen with wily wit and a good helping of grit and realism. Margo Martindale charges in as the grandma and saves the day as only she can.

Directed and co-written by Sean Anders, this movie reminds us of the importance of listening with compassion and GRATITUDE for our fellow humans. Hugs prevail. Happy Thanksgiving! 

Movie Magic gives Instant Family 4 out of 5 Moons.

Instant Family movie art