Basic Mashed Potatoes

Hadice's Note:

You can use any kind of potato in this recipe. I personally prefer russet potatoes. This recipe is from The Best of Casual American Cooking. I have also altered it by using evaporated milk instead of half and half. There is a little bit of extra effort involved in this recipe, but well worth it.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 3 lbs white potatoes or 3 lbs red potatoes or 3 lbs yellow-fleshed potatoes or 3 lbs baking potatoes , peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt , plus any additional salt to taste
• 1⁄3; cup unsalted butter , cut into small pieces
• 1 cup half-and-half , plus
• 2 tablespoons half-and-half , heated
• white pepper

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the potato pieces with water to cover and let stand for 5 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain.
2. Bring a large sauce-pan 3/4 full of water to a boil.
3. Add the 1 1/2 teaspoon salt and the potatoes and return to a boil until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
4. Drain well and return to the empty pan.
5. Place the pan over high heat and, turning the potatoes to prevent scorching, heat to evaporate the moisture, 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove from the heat.
7. Using a potato masher, mash until potatoes are almost smooth.
8. Add the butter, mash, and the half-and-half, a little at a time, switching to a spoon when the potatoes are smooth.
9. The potatoes should be creamy but not soupy.
10. Season to taste with salt and white pepper, transfer to a warmed serving dish and serve immediately.

Reviews

[Starrynews]

Great and simple, as stated! I used fat free evaporated milk and did not peel the potatoes first. Thanks for sharing! Veg*n Swap 37

[internetnut]

I gave this 5 stars. My family loves mashed potatoes. I make mine very close to this except I use milk and black pepper. Thanks for posting a comfort recipe! Christine (internetnut)

[looneytunesfan]

You can never go wrong with potatoes. It is one of my favorite foods. I made it exactly like stated and it was delicious. Yummmm!!!!!