There is an odd phenomenon surrounding the making of mashed potatoes. There is truly a fine line between the perfect amount of milk and…
well I would have to say:
wallpaper paste.
Yes, you guessed it. I was there. They were really perfect. But I could not leave well enough alone and had to add that one little drop more of milk. And the next think I knew I was preparing boxed rice pilaf (on a holiday, that’s simply a crime!) and dumping those potatoes before Gary got home to witness my failure.
But here’s the thing. It’s not about the mashed potatoes. Or the rice. Or the fact that you find yourself cooking chicken soup and brisket on labor day as if someone pulled the switch on your summer and sent you tumbling down the Days of Awe water slide.
It’s about stopping and taking a deep breath and remembering that even though it is 85 degrees out and you have a Chambers Stove from the 1930s that is causing your kitchen to feel like a sauna; traditions, community, family and friends are what the whole thing is about.
Like the friend that picks up your parents’ synagogue tickets for you because you were too harried to get there yourself. Or the one who wakes up to remember that she is out of flour but she always bakes you a challah and makes sure to get to the store early enough to make you one again this year AND have her son deliver it to you. Or it is sitting in Synagogue (yes in that state of post ruining the potatoes shame) and looking to your left and right to see not just both your parents, but both of your in-laws as well.
So to all the members of the Tribe that read this blog, L’Shana Tovah. May you have a good, sweet year.
And just a tip, go light on the milk in the mashed potatoes.
i could cry but i don't have time 
Shana Tova to you Amy! Thanks for keeping it real!
real, always. tasty, only occasionally. back at ya yogamom! (ps loved your shoes)
sweet year to you honey! xo
thanks Sher, hope your house has calmed down a bit
To my everlasting horror, my husband PREFERS boxed mashed potatoes, and he likes them gluey.
Rice pilaf sounds pretty good.
Jenny
that is hysterical!
That is what its all about. I still remember, when Shana was young spending the holiday with you. You are very special..you and your family and we wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Enjoyed your holiday article very much. It touched my heart.
We have a combination of christian & jewish in my family; best of both worlds.
L’Shana Tova – Happy Rosh Hashanah – Enjoy your celebration
Bonnie
L’shanah Tovah Amy. You say it so well. I too was so busy ‘slaving’ over the hot stove (maybe it’s Passover?) and made a holiday meal over the weekend complete with kugle, brisket, kasha, jello mold (family favorite) challah etc and packed it all up to have delivered to son #1 at college so he could ‘taste’ the holiday. Only to make it again a few days later for us at home. Tradition, aromas, tastes, family…that’s what it’s all about. With love…
I know what you mean about the milk. I think I once made an entire mission replica (California history 4th grade cirriculum) from a heavy duty wallpaper paste batch of mashed potatoes. Look and see (from my link) how my New Year’s Day, brisket (I gave it my all literally) and all went.