Instructions: Cook potatoes, sliced celery, garlic, and bay leaves in pot of boiling salted water until potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes. Drain potatoes. Return to same pot; remove bay leaves.

Add cream and butter and mash well. Season with salt and pepper. Rewarm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Transfer potato mixture to bowl; sprinkle with chopped celery leaves.

This recipe yields 8 servings.

Comments: "I have a stragglers Thanksgiving - thats what I call it - at my house every year," writes Frances Teasley of North Hollywood, California. "I know a lot of people who, like me, dont have any family nearby. Thirteen years ago I started inviting a few people for dinner. And that small holiday gathering has become a big tradition among my friends. For weekday meals, I look for shortcuts and do-aheads. But for holiday meals, I like to do everything the same day because I love the smell of cooking that fills the house."

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