Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio

Thanksgiving Throwback: From Calcutta to Kenji's Make-Ahead Mashed (2017)

Nov 18, 2025
Adam Gopnik, a staff writer for The New Yorker, shares his nostalgic memories of his first Thanksgiving in New York, emphasizing a shift towards simpler, flavor-focused cooking. He reflects on the pressures of reinventing holiday meals and how modern habits are changing the traditions. Kenji López-Alt offers tips on make-ahead mashed potatoes, while Sandip Roy hilariously recounts his turkey-hunting escapades in Calcutta. Meanwhile, Dr. Aaron Carroll debunks the myth of turkey-induced sleepiness, making this Thanksgiving a feast of insights and humor.
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ADVICE

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes Without Guilt

  • Hold back some of the butter, milk, or cream when mashing potatoes and add it when reheating to restore texture.
  • Reheat mashed potatoes gently in hot liquid or in a bag in simmering water to avoid scorching and lumps.
ADVICE

Sous-Vide Style Reheating For Potatoes

  • Store mashed potatoes in a plastic bag and reheat by immersing the sealed bag in hot water or using a sous-vide circulator.
  • This restores near-fresh texture without stirring or risking scorching on the stovetop.
ADVICE

Microwave Is A Foolproof Reheat Option

  • Use a microwave to reheat mashed potatoes if you didn't withhold liquid; microwaves penetrate and heat evenly.
  • Microwaving reduces scorching risk compared with reheating on a stovetop pan.
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