Shrimp Scampi and Bacon Ranch Mashed Potatoes

We have a family tradition on New Year's Eve night.  Before my brother and I head out for the night, we have a shrimp dinner.  Normally it's boiled shrimp, mashed potatoes and a vegetable.  This year was no exception and I felt that the leftovers needed some excitement. So tonight I decided to make dinner with the leftovers and I made Shrimp Scampi with Bacon Ranch Mashed Potatoes. 
 I forgot to take pictures of these two recipes, but when I make them again sometime I'll add the photos, sorry!

Here is the recipe though:
 
Shrimp Scampi
4 Tablespoons of butter, use real butter
1 pound of boiled, de-tailed shrimp
4 cloves of minced garlic

In a skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic.  Don't let it burn.  When you start to smell the garlic, add the shrimp to the skillet.  Stir and saute for about three minutes total.  Since the shrimp are already cooked, they just need to get hot and covered in butter.  Serve over rice or with the Bacon Ranch Mashed Potatoes.

Bacon Ranch Mashed Potatoes

10 large Russet Potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 pound of Bacon, cooked until crunchy
2 Tablespoon of Ranch Dry Dressing Mix
4 Tablespoons of butter
1/2 to 3/4 cup of milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes.  Add the potatoes to water with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.  Boil the potatoes until a fork can be inserted in them easily.
While the potatoes are boiling, stretch the bacon out on a grill pan and place in the oven for 30 minutes at 400 degrees until crispy. Drain and let cool.

 Drain the potatoes and add them back to the pan.  Add the butter and milk to the potatoes and mix with either an electric mixer or hand mash (depending on how lumpy you want them.  I like mine smooth, so I use a mixer).  Add as much milk as needed, you will be able to tell by how easily the potatoes mix.  Not enough milk and they won't come together. 

Once the potatoes are ready, add the dry Ranch Dressing mix (you could also use Ranch dressing, just use less milk) and crumble the bacon into the potatoes.  Put the mixture into an oven proof pan, add Cheddar Cheese to the top and bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is bubbly.  Serve hot and enjoy!