I'm sorry, Food Network, I just don't agree

The great debate...red or russet potatoes for mashing??? Food Network stars consistently extol the virtues of russet but every time I use russet for mashing I get a grainy, mealy texture. I am a red potato fan all the way. My mashed potatoes are always creamy and delicious. I pride myself on putting enough seasoning in that you don't need gravy but, if you do use it, you'll be in heaven. :) Plus, reds have a nice thin skin so peeling is optional. I would love to hear other opinions on this great potato debate. But, for me on Thanksgiving I am serving my family mashed red potatoes.

Thanksgiving won't be pretty...literally

I may have mentioned this in the past but my skill set is not plating and presentation. My friend, Linda, can take a recipe and produce something that looks and tastes like it came out of a magazine. I simply can't and, for the most part, that's O.K. I look at plates on Food Network (or from Linda LOL) that I envy, but I know mine should taste just as good. I say should because I always have to put my spin on food. Unless I am baking, I never follow a recipe. Baking requires me to follow a recipe because of the chemistry involved but cooking doesn't. If I don't like an herb or spice or even a cut of meat I change it up. Normally with good results. I am not a fan of fennel seed so I usually leave it out or replace it. If I'm out of a liquor that a recipe calls for I'll substitute. Veal or venison...beef works for me. You get the idea.

So my Thanksgiving menu looks like this:
turkey
drippings for gravy
mashed potatoes
dressing
sweet potatoes (my pride and joy since my marital family swore they didn't like them until the met me)
brussel sprouts with shallots and pancetta
creamy green beans with bacon
Parker House rolls
honey wheat rolls
deviled eggs
celery stuffed with herbed cream cheese and smoked salmon
pumpkin pie
sugar-free pecan pie for my diabetic mother-in-law

And I won't lie...those pies will have a frozen crust because I'm hopeless at making pie crust. My serving dishes will match, drink will flow, flavor will be there but I can guarantee no one will take a picture of my presentation. Hopefully everyone will be too busy filling their plates and eating to care.