Mennonite Mashed Potatoes! Make Ahead for the Holidays!

[@LCMCCHESNEY]

I don't often comment but I love your your channel. I grew up in an Amish Foster family until I was 12 1/2yrs old. At times I miss that life style, but I have had a very time adjusting to the way the world is behaving today. I'm no longer married and my only son was killed in Afghanistan on Mother's day 2012. I do have 3 granddaughters but they live in another state and I'm disabled in a wheelchair. I love to garden and do what I can on my porch. I love your recipes very much. Thank you for your channel. God love you😊♥️😊

[@britt-ingerlofstrom8242]

God bless you, greatings from Sweden

[@teriadams7398]

I agree life would be much better with a slower approach and not the garbage going on now. We so appreciate our military men and women, they are the reason the Amish & Mennonite can live without having to serve for religious reasons. We should all give thanks for our country's defense. Your son is gone in body but not his spirit or memory. 😊

[@LCMCCHESNEY]

@@britt-ingerlofstrom8242 GREETINGS and God bless.

[@LCMCCHESNEY]

@@teriadams7398 Thank you so very much for your kind words. God bless you and yours

[@jet8485]

Hugs from the Netherlands. 🌷⚘️🌷 Bless you ❤

[@veraberezuk1]

The boys helping, the Christmas piano in the background, the boys happily peeling & singing.... oh my heart gets filled with your family's love & joy ❤ Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours from Canada 🇨🇦

[@Gardeninginpearls]

I am tearing up and so filled with holiday cheer 4 minutes into the video. Your boys peeling potatoes singing jingle bells to the piano is priceless. ♥️ thank you for the make ahead recipe as well. Blessings to you and your family.

[@helanna9843]

My grandparents had a small subsistence farm and used their milk straight from the cow. Because they only had 5 - 6 cows, who were hand milked twice a day, they saw their health and never needed to pasteurize the milk. My mom grew up on this farm and ate non- processed or chemically fertilized food and I believe that is one of the reasons she lived to be 100 years old. Thanks for taking me back to great memories of visiting their farm.

[@98849]

Being Irish I had to laugh at the idea of needing a recipe for mashed potatoes, but yours are much posher than I ever had as a child with only butter and salt being added. Then I moved to England and there they covered mashed potatoes in gravy - brown gravy Mande from the roasted meat juice. Having three very hungry sons and strapped for cash I developed potato pie - frying onions until brown (cold water helps them brown) , then lashings of potato in a deep pie dish and covering Cheddar cheese in the oven until golden and a slightly hard crust. If you cook too many potatoes make potato cakes - just dust with flour and fry - yummy ! People used to request potato pie if they were coming for a dinner party when I was trying to do very grand cooking withmuch finer things. I miss potatoes when I go on holiday to Asia. Jacket potato with various toppings or cooked in the bonfire in foil - such happy memories with simple food.

[@whitestone4401]

That closing scene with that glorious sky was so beautiful. I’m always leery of freezing potato dishes, they always seem to have a grainy consistency afterwards. I’ll do a test run with the added fats, your recipes have never let me down. Thank you.

[@kathygarner419]

RuthAnn: I make mashed potatoes and vacuum seal them before freezing. I add everything except the black pepper which I add when they are reheated. My frozen mashed potatoes last for months in the freezer if you have the space available. I do this when my supply of fall potatoes is near its end to reduce waste. The vacuum sealed bags can be placed in a pot of simmering water for re-heating or they can be warmed in a covered dish in the oven or microwave. I don't recommend microwaving in the plastic bags. If they come out a little softer than I would like I add a small quantity of instant potato flakes to firm them up and no one can taste the difference. I do love your videos with the children.

[@renabuckner8]

You would think making mashed potatoes is not complicated but I am in my mid 60’s and you taught me some things I did not know. I look forward to your videos every weekend! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@marylynnbehrens5562]

Same! ❤😊

[@barbarapahl3245]

I'm in my late sixty's and have learn so much from this video! I have made two pie that are in the freezer & will make the mashed potatoes one day the week. I will put them in our son's crock pot.

[@kimcwhite6509]

Yes, I'm in my 60's and I see the mistakes I made making mashed potatoes! RuthAnn has given me so many helpful tips in everyday cooking & baking. A Happy Thanksgiving to all the Zimmerman followers!🍁🧡🍂

[@riverduck3]

I agree! I'm 68 and have been making mashed potatoes for most of those years. I never knew about putting the pot of potatoes back onto the stove, then covering with a towel so that the moisture wouldn't be a problem. RuthAnn is a magnificent teacher!

[@marilyn5208]

Thank you. At 73, I didn't know about cold water to start boiling potatoes. Nice to know.

[@nancywalker1325]

Thank you, I hope you all have a fantastic Trip, and Thanksgiving day !

[@cynthiawarren8984]

Children singing Christmas carols is a slice of Heaven 😊

[@Peachlady222]

What a great recipe. I will have to try this for my book club Christmas dinner. I am 71 and still learning from your videos. I am watching this while processing a deer. The boys working together is fun to watch. Such a great life.

[@stacymoore1535]

Your weekly videos are the best part of my Saturday morning!

[@marylynnbehrens5562]

I just love seeing your boys help you in the kitchen peeling potatoes and singing Christmas carols, that just melted my heart! You have a beautiful family! Have a very blessed Thanksgiving and safe travels!

[@David-gn3vu]

Thanks, good information on the temperature.

[@Damselfly54315]

Grew up around Mennonite families, we called them sour cream and vibe mashed tators, they ARE delicious...we use condensed milk in our plain potatoes and they store well too with 3 whole sticks of butter in them...Great video, miss having smaller kiddos, safe travels 🙏🏻😊

[@bethford2334]

I so enjoyed this video! I am the official mashed potato maker in my family and I usually cook five pounds of potatoes to mash. I have thought about making them ahead, and thanks to your video, I think this may be the year to do it. We travel about three hours away to my daughters every year and go the day before to help prepare. This will just take one thing off of the list to do in a very busy busy kitchen day. Thanks and I wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!

[@Ruthannzimm]

I’m so happy to hear this!!!

[@barbaramatheney1410]

Thank you for the tips and tricks! Thank you for the pie crust recipe! It is awesome. I baked my pies and have lots of crust mixture and can just get it out when I need it.I have gifted family with pies, frozen for their gatherings. Even sent dressing to those who couldn’t come home this time!! Dressing on the road! ha!Ha!

[@tabitha619]

❤❤❤❤❤ warms my heart to hearing your children play piano and happily enjoying life! kitties in the barn are happy too! happy Thanksgiving Zimmermans!

[@trishapomeroy9251]

Farm kids have the best life! I enjoyed seeing your youngest get his chocolate milk straight from the cow (I think I saw some of your chocolate mix in the bottom of the jar when he took it outside). Good stuff! Those mashed potatoes look delicious too. I would have never thought to be able to freeze them.

[@annparham3466]

Yes, seeing him milk the cow and drink it that fresh...just warmed my soul! Such a beautiful family!!!

[@canadiangirl5159]

I love how your young men are singing a Christmas song while they work. Great job guys.

[@tamaramcgrath3327]

Love the boys helping and singing

[@she927]

The boys singing and peeling potatoes really was so sweet

[@gladysshirey8672]

I really miss my little kids when I watch your videos. I mean I always miss them; but it pangs my heart when I hear the kids singing. I love your videos and never thought about making mashed potatoes like this. YUM. Thank you.

[@deedeemooreco.2304]

Oh my gosh, those boys singing was so stinkin cute I can’t stand it 😂❤

[@maryglidden2943]

The donkey's face was so cute through the gate- I think he felt left out with all the goodies given out 😉 Such fun seeing the boys help and singing together! Happy and blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family! (I make my potatoes with all the fat goodies but never thought to freeze or make ahead! This will be a game changer for Christmas! )

[@joninarimmer7344]

Thank you so much for this video and most especially the segment with Hadasa playing the piano while Kendrick and Harrison sang Jingle Bells. So cute! The recipe will be an addition to my Christmas Dinner menu. Canadians celebrate our Thanksgiving in October.

[@lleesti1346]

so much to do and so little time!! this is such a huge help, I may have time to sit down and enjoy the meal!! Thank you so much for not only sharing your knowledge but beautiful family as well. God bless you and keep you safe as you travel this Thanksgiving.

[@brendarobertson2145]

I have been making mashed potatoes for 46 years but have made all the mistakes you pointed out, using hot water, not draining fully, adding butter before mashing OH WOW what I've learned from you today! Thank you so much and the wonderful children and animal scenes are heartwarming and precious.

[@karenfleming1500]

Happy Happiest Thanksgiving!! You all be safe in your travels and enjoy you sure have put smiles on this old woman’s face Thank Jesus I found this channel!!

[@jeffphillips6795]

When your sons started singing I lost it. Your obviously are doing a great job with them.

[@jenniferm3572]

Thank God for Potatoes! Yum 🤤😁👍👍

[@Ruthannzimm]

Potatoes are a favorite of mine!!!

[@Melissasch1]

That sweet little pile of piglets was the cutest thing I’ve seen all week. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@lauraenuco7219]

Another great recipe! Thank you Ruthann. I’m thankful for your inspiration to work hard and live simply! God bless your family this Thanksgiving!

[@michelesalazar2045]

What a wonderful video. Everyone having a good time peeling potatoes and singing. GOD IS GOOD. Blessings and Happy thanksgiving.

[@Sheryl0705]

Beautiful video, Ruthann! I love your helpers! I’ve made our potatoes this way for many years. The only difference is that I leave some of the skins on. And, once in a while, I add cooked spinach and shredded cheese to the potatoes and bake them. So delicious! My husband and our family absolutely loves them made this way! Happy Thanksgiving to All!❤🦃

[@jackiecrispin]

Thank for the recipe and all the extra smiles this gave me. Blessings to you and your family, your farm and your livestock.

[@VJWLPN1]

The boys sang Jingle Bells so well together. Thanks for the potato recipe!

[@galeharris6696]

Happy Thanksgiving, to you and your family this year, RuthAnn. Love your videos, and I watch them over and over! Your donkey (I can't tell if it's Hosanna or Dave) is smiling! So, so cute.🐴

[@lorenstribling6096]

You have a beautiful family.

[@kathyharper7187]

Love the boys singing❤ didnt know about the towel trick to get the moisture out of the potatoes! Will try this next time i make them! Learn somethin new everyday…thank u ruthann

[@chevypreps6417]

The potatoes look very good. Hey this is a actual working farm. Milking cows etc. The piglets are adorable.

[@Alwaysquestion7856]

My mother taught me when you cook any starch always salt the water or the starch will never absorb the salt after and you will have bland potato or pasta or rice. Just a tip for those that don’t already know this.

[@louannbinkley6456]

Thank you for sharing ...brought me back to mornings on the farm...appreciate all your hard work plus filming it to share your life story.

[@oldnanz]

Happy Thanksgiving No advertisements when I watched. Watched twice to make sure. So let the beginning adds and at the end. Hope this helps a little. May you and your family be blessed

[@Barosunflower]

Was ads when I watched

[@bettypettigrew6471]

I’m 75 and still learning! 😊 Definitely doing this for Christmas 🎄 Looks yummy!

[@annparham3466]

I am fairly new to your channel! I am not Amish or Mennonite! I grew up Southern Baptist! But I have always admired those cultures for their strong faith in the Lord! I took a trip in August to the New England states and toured an Amish village in Lancaster Pennsylvania! It was pretty awesome! You have a strong work ethic and I am glad to see you are instilling that in your children!!! You have a great family and I thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! Keep the videos coming! Girl I am old and you know how to do things I don't know how to do! My parents both were very hard workers and I came from a big family! I have 4 sisters and 2 brothers living! My oldest brother was killed in a truck accident in 1978! I still miss him! Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!!

[@gwenreed8605]

The little baby pigs are so cute. It makes you want to pick one up and love on it.

[@EileenMoloney-d2v]

Lovely to hear the boys singing together - happy days! ❤

[@stephencameron1709]

Great recipe and those piglets and Dave peeking in are so cute! Happy Thanksgiving! ❤️🙏🏻Val C

[@riverduck3]

This family and their farm life helps to make this life so much more sane for many of us. So thankful for the Zimmerman Family!

[@christinenewell2679]

Lovely potatoes and lovely wee helpers. As a young mother , many years ago now, I used to do a lot of prep for the nights I worked. I used to make the mash, place scoops onto cookie trays and open freeze them. When ready I just counted out the scoops into contains and put them back into freezer until I was ready to use. With a big , homemade beef or chicken casserole that I had also made ahead….. BINGO , dinner was done. My mum lived with us so there was always 6 people to have at our table every day. And we cooked the potato skins for our chickens every couple of days. Happy times give happy memories. Lovely.

[@debbiefranzoi5252]

That donkey is adorable :) love her face near the end of your video, as she looks through the fence :)

[@Patricia-cy7ij]

Love your videos. I lived several years in PA Amish country. That lifestyle was nice to live around. Good people. Thank you for all your hard work maki f the videos. I have learned a lot. God bless

[@gaylaskates8831]

I LOVED the boys singing to your daughter playing!

[@marilynruggeberg]

I am from Eastern Iowa. We had Horse and Buggy Amish in our area for a few years, but they have moved away. When I worked full-time, I bought Canning Tomatoes from one of the farms. I didn't have time or energy to grow my own. We still have Mennonite in the area.

[@pegz.3959]

Oh my. That makes so much sense regarding the beginning water temperature to cook the potatoes!

[@balinda4935]

Love the piano in the background, and those sweet boy’s singing.❤ love your videos. Keep teaching us .

[@mbmiller1956]

Such a sweet AND instructive video! Good way to start the day 😊

[@Ruthannzimm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@loishurray3866]

I enjoyed the children singing jingle bells.

[@whitestone4401]

Those moments, right there, fill a momma’s heart.

[@mariedeyo7399]

Hello Ruth, I am german and I am all for cooking the potatos in the skins. 🙂 I have not seen a shredded potato salat. We slice the potatos. Also made with majo but no carots or celery. That kind of celery is still not so much used in germany. We use more celery root.. or celeric , I think its called. But not in potato salat. Thank you for sharing yours. ❤

[@patriotmama]

Really have been enjoying these videos for make-ahead-freeze dishes for Thanksgiving! I have been married for 55 years and never even thought about freezing dishes ahead! Who knew! Who says you can't learn new things when you are old. :). Happy Thanksgiving to your beautiful family.

[@nancywalker1325]

I use cream cheese too, my (secret) ingredient 😊

[@sallyhostetter2820]

The boy’s singing Jingle Bells was sweet. Thanks for the recipe and video of your Piglets.

[@lr6844]

I make this recipe every Thanksgiving. It is also called Funeral Potatoes or you can just leave sliced with ingredients and baked until done. Either way, it is just about the most popular dish at whatever gathering you bring them to. Delish ! and thanks for bringing this video; you can never have too much of these potatoes ! Have a great Thanksgiving and a safe journey.

[@linbett5353]

Don't mind the ads, thankful for your content!!❤

[@cydney3283]

Such a special time with the boys, and the piano music reminds me of me practicing...

[@san-ramon-flash8077]

I make mashed potatoes once a year at thanksgiving and it’s called “code blue” mashed potatoes: 1c sour cream, 8oz cream cheese, 1 stick butter, 8oz heavy cream in 5 lb potatoes. It’s the best!

[@jenniferbyham7040]

I am unsure how KZbin works; however, I am praying that my watching with KZbin premium helps! I don't have ads; however, I do watch until the end each video. ❤ Additionally, I wanted to say "Thank you times a million" for this make ahead potato recipe!! I am going to try this out! I appreciate the wealth of knowledge you share with everyone! It makes my day! I love learning! Thank you you and your family for all you do! Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

[@kiriaioulia]

😍😍😍I adore the caroling!!!!! Such a joyous sound - the piano and those voices!!!

[@lindajones3056]

This is how I do mashed potatoes, but never thought of freezing them Thank you for this.

[@cbak1819]

Thanks Ruthie. I'm taking them out right now🎉 happy thankful and blessed day to you and all who read this❤

[@hadrianryan4179]

It's what they call "cold" here in LA-- 65 and sunny-- and watching you all have a beautiful fall season is making me SO homesick! A happy happy Thankgiving to you all! 😊

[@lindacooper4542]

I have learned so much from you, and I am only 75 years old. I will make your mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

[@MarilynDean-i5b]

God is so good! Love to watch you raising your children with love and responsibility. I have a husband who needs to watch his sugar intake and your breakfast foods are informative. Have a good week and blessings to the couple on their up coming marriage.

[@becunningham8850]

I learn so much from your videos. Thank you for sharing

[@denisescull4227]

My neighbor taught me a similar recipe many years ago and I've been using it since then. Potatoes are so easy, you wouldn't think it would be helping much to make them ahead, but it really does make a difference! I also have doubled the recipe and kept the extra in the freezer for another meal, it's like a present to myself when I pull it out the next time. I cover the potatoes with a couple of layers of plastic wrap or parchment paper before I cover it with foil if I plan on leaving it in the freezer for and extended time. I would like to add that a five pound bag of potatoes is about right to fill one of those aluminum pans. Thanks for sharing!

[@kath-phlox]

I sometimes make more mash and freeze it in portions because I live alone, then when I reheat it it's lovely. But it's even better if I put it in my airfryer and crisp the top.

[@ivanapetrini4878]

J'apprécie beaucoup vos recettes car elles sont familiales et faciles à reproduire grand merci happy Thanksgiving enjoy your trip

[@amystiles3284]

I just love Dave the donkey! Your barn is a wonderful place. 😊

[@TheBonnieberry]

Since finding you have quickly become our fave family !We lift you in prayer all the way from Nova Scotia! The videos remind both my hubby and I of days gone by...sweet childhood memories Thank you for a brief time when we just enjoy you from afar! Bonnie and Grant Berry

[@lindajames4122]

Watching from Nova Scotia too.

[@simplieshine]

Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing! Those knives are the best kept secret at our Mennonite store!

[@carolynmoody9460]

I watch all the Ad's and I want to thank you for the peaceful videos you post ❤ God is Good 🙏

[@kaylenerinehart2455]

I was Mennonite growing up, but at that time, we were the modern Amish. (no buggies) We always took turns on Sundays, to visit friends for dinner and afternoon. Many times we had these potatoes! They are so delicious!

[@jenniferr2057]

I grow, I raise, I can, I parent, and I work. For now. This videonis just what I i needed to smooth my prep for the holidays.

[@jenniferr2057]

And I think I need your sink!

[@ruthmcbride1778]

I love how you always explain the why. Im not sure I knew that potatoes contained solanine and lectins. Just understanding the why helps to remember forever.

[@patriciamoffitt2485]

You are a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for sharing the whys and whys nots. Happy children in the kitchen , making memories as a family and sharing with us. Thankful for you and your family. Piglets were the perfect ending.

[@brendataylor7524]

Love your podcast, Ruth. I enjoy your whiching all your different podcast all are very interesting! Thank you for all your hard work and tired days 😮😢❤❤❤. Brenda Taylor Glenwood Springs, Colorado. 2023.

[@lwood8491]

The boys singing while they work, oh my heart!!

[@ladenamichaud9804]

I absolutely love how your boys WANT to help!!

[@kathyfischer5983]

I loved seeing the boys peeling the potatoes and singing. Sorry, I don’t know their names, but the one being so proud of how many he has peeled was so awesome. They both did such a great job.

[@creativedesignsdiyfromblue8902]

What a blessing; those little boys breaking into song!

[@boutwellfamilyfarm]

This made my heart so happy! The piano practice in the background is a great memory of ours, and the boys singing made it even better. Thank you for sharing these sweet times, and your ideas and recipes. -Danielle

[@chasitycallahan8322]

The scene with the piglets brought back so many memories! I grew up on a hog farm when I was little. Then my husband and I got into raising hogs several years ago when our kids were little. We haven’t had pigs in about 4-5 years now. I miss having piglets! 🥰

[@villagesteader3552]

What a lovely video! Cooking, Christmas music, and baby pigs, it doesn’t get better than finishing a video with piglets…♥️👍🙏🤓

[@smiller6925]

Your sons are good boys. The singing was so nice!!

[@delyndahendricks7510]

Watching the boys peel potatoes, whole singing carols played by their sibling blessed my heart! Such great family moments and memories you are creating. God has surely blessed your family. 😊❤️

[@melodeeruley3809]

I loved this video . My children and grandchildren are grown and I miss times shared with them like this .

[@juniper4915]

I love the piano music and singing. 🥰

[@schullieringer]

Love all your videos. Catching up on all the old ones and looking forward to your weekly videos. God it Good.

[@lourdesdover1338]

Love hearing your boys singing. Such a sweet treat. Thanks for sharing..

[@cathywco]

Love the Jingle Bells! So precious 🥰. I’m amazed how your boys work without complaining. I’m sure they have their moments, but they are such good troopers.

[@Valencenliberty]

The boys are so sweet helping singing Jingle Bells❤