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Getting everything to the table on Thanksgiving can be challenging. What’s even more challenging is getting everything to the table warm. Here are 3 tips for keeping your mashed potatoes warm (or reheating if you’re making mashed potatoes ahead of time) while the rest of the meal cooks.

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Use a slow cooker and set it to low.
Creamier thick side dishes such as mashed potatoes or candied sweet potatoes—and even macaroni and cheese—will stay hot for an hour or more.

Use gentle heat.
Use a double boiler, place your mashed potatoes over a simmering pot of water, or gently heat them in a microwave. Be careful not to overmix the potatoes or they will turn gluey.

Keep cooking liquid handy.
If your mashed potatoes start to dry out, adjust the consistency with a little warm milk, cream, broth, or water.

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