Different Ways to Present Mashed Potatoes
Re: the Mashed Potato Bar, Gloria asks:
Any suggestions of other items to serve in beside Martini Glasses? Would like something different and cool.
What about parfait glasses (ie the deep, narrow dishes sundaes are often served in)? It’s kind of a twist on the ice cream cone idea listed in the mashed potato bar comments section, but it would work, visually—scoops of spuds mixed with your choice of toppings, topped with a drizzle of gravy. Of course, you’d need enough iced tea spoons for everyone to get to the bottom of their glass.
Or perhaps you could get some long, rectangular plates, such as sushi might be served on. That would give people a chance to make 3 or 4 variations on the mashed potatoes and keep them separated, whilst still appearing somewhat more sophisticated than the army-style three-compartment plate.
Last suggestion I’ve got is to make parmesan cheese dishes by sprinkling a thin layer of parmesan into a hot pan. When it crisps up and releases from the pan, drape the pancake over an upturned bowl to form it. When it cools, it will hold its shape. It will be a bit fragile, and so you’ll need to serve each of them on a plate, but they wind up fluted and they’re edible, and the cheese flavor should mesh well with the potatoes.
If anyone else has any more ideas for Gloria, please let her know!