I like to mix up the mash a bit - do potato or potato/sweet potato or potato/pumpkin, but also change the flavours - add some freshly chopped herbs (parsley or chives are good), a little grated cheese, a dollop of sour cream to replace the butter (or some of the butter) or some garlic (which I lightly fry in the pot after removing the potatoes after boiling to drain - add the butter and garlic, fry quickly and put the potatoes and milk in the pot, then mash) Mind you, we probably only have mash once or twice a month I guess, but I like to do it a bit different each time.

I sautee mushrooms in a little olive oil, a bit of butter and lots of garlic and fresh parsley to go on the side of steaks etc

I stir-fry freshly par-steamed vegies quickly in a pan that has had a few crushed cloves of garlic fried lightly, then add a dash of sesame oil

Vegies and cheese sauce bake is my favourite...especially with fresh grainy breadcrumbs and parmesan sprinkled on top.

Also love chopped leeks sauteed with sliced mushrooms, fresh asparagus and brussel sprouts (sometimes with fried bacon strips as well) with a little garlic, olive oil and butter. Yummo.