If you are a low-carb dieter, you probably have heard that you should avoid white potatoes. The white potato category includes red potatoes, yellow potatoes, and brown potatoes — basically, anything besides yams and sweet potatoes. Some people avoid white potatoes, along with eggplant, peppers, and other nightshade vegetables, for other reasons, One common concern is that these may make arthtitis worse.

If you are among the potato-avoiders and you miss your spuds, there are a number of ways to get a similar dish using other veggies.

Try some of these ideas, and you may find your cravings diminished to a tolerable state. And for the low-carbers, remember that you can have a little bit of real potato every now and then, particularly if accompanied by some protein to temper the glycemic effect.

Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes"

1 lb cauliflower florets
1/4 cup powdered milk
1 Tbs butter
1/4 tsp salt

Cook cauliflower in 1/4" of boiling water until it is very tender.
Put cooked cauliflower into a deep bowl.
Using immersion (stick) blender, whip until smooth.
Add remaining ingredients.
Serve as you would mashed potatoes.

NOTE: If your diet allows SOME potato, you can cook one small white potato along with the cauliflower, and mash it all together. It adds a few calories and carbs, but this way may be more acceptable to the rest of the family.

Bean "Mashed Potatoes"

2 cans white beans (great northern or cannelini)
1/4 cup powdered milk
1 Tbs butter
1/4 tsp salt

Drain beans, and rinse with fresh water.
Put beans into a deep bowl.
Using immersion (stick) blender, whip until smooth.
Add remaining ingredients.
Serve as you would mashed potatoes.

NOTE: If your diet allows SOME potato, you can add one cooked small white potato to the bowl with the beans, and mash it all together. It adds a few calories and carbs, but this way may be more acceptable to the rest of the family.

Cauli-Bean "Mashed Potatoes"

1/2 lb cauliflower florets
1 can white beans (great northern or cannelini)
1/4 cup powdered milk
1 Tbs butter
1/4 tsp salt

Cook cauliflower in 1/4" of boiling water until it is very tender.
Drain beans and rinse with fresh water.
Put cooked cauliflower and rinsed beans into a deep bowl.
Using immersion (stick) blender, whip until smooth.
Add remaining ingredients.
Serve as you would mashed potatoes.

NOTE: If your diet allows SOME potato, you can add one cooked small white potato to the bowl with the cauliflower and beans, and mash it all together. It adds a few calories and carbs, but this way may be more acceptable to the rest of the family.