Mashed Potatoes With Bacon and Blue Cheese

Sing along with me........ These are a few of my favorite things! From Real Simple magazine, Nov. 2011

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 3  lbs russet potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks (about 6, peeled if desired)
• 2 -3  teaspoons kosher salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
• 3  ounces bacon, about 6 slices
• 3⁄4 cup  whole milk
• 8  tablespoons unsalted butter, cut up
• 4  ounces blue cheese, crumbled

Directions

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and add 2 teaspoons salt and enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are very tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool, then crumble or chop.
3. Combine milk, butter, ½ teaspoon salt. Warm in the microwave for 45 seconds. Pour over potatoes, add ¼ teaspoon pepper to the potatoes and mash to the desired consistency.
4. Fold in the bacon and top with the blue cheese.