Rutabapple Smash

Hey, part of the fun of creating recipes is making up recipe names! My mom is very creative at names ... once she made a casserole out of drippings and broth from the bony parts of a chicken. She called it "Bony Parts Drip Treat." I think Napoleon would have approved.

This combination has been on my mind for a while and I decided to try it. It's a very satisfying dish, with the apple flavor dominating. But the rutabaga definitely is there, in a smooth and sweet way.

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RUTABAPPLE SMASH

2 rutabagas
1 apple (I used a Fuji)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon butter
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
Cinnamon

Peel and core apple, and peel rutabagas. Cut all into 1/2-inch chunks and place in medium-sized pan. Add about half an inch of water, cover and boil for 20 to 30 minutes, or until rutabagas and apples are soft. Stir in orange juice, maple syrup, and butter. Run a potato masher through everything to mix and smash to your liking. Pile into a serving dish, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve hot.

You could also use Indian spices or curry powder to give this dish a whole different slant.

Makes about 3 side dish servings, but easy to increase.