Perfect Mashed Potatoes Southern Living 2010 Recipes

HOMEMADE MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Peel potatoes, and cut into 1-inch pieces. Bring cold water, potatoes, and 1 tsp. salt to a boil in a medium-size Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook potatoes for 16 to 20 minutes or until fork-tender and drain.
• Bring potatoes back to Dutch oven. Cook in Dutch oven until water evaporates and potatoes look dry. Mound potatoes on 1 side; add butter, half-and-half, cream cheese, ground pepper, and remaining 1 tsp. salt to opposite side of Dutch oven. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until butter is melted and mixture boils.
• After removing from heat, beat at medium speed with a hand-held electric mixer 30 seconds to 1 minute or to desired degree of smoothness. Do not overbeat. Serve warm.

PERFECT MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough cold water to cover. Season with salt and bring to a simmer; cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 45 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes. Hold with an oven mitt or kitchen towel and peel off the skins, then transfer the potatoes to a bowl.
• Add the butter and warm milk to the bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork (or pass the potatoes through a ricer or food mill for a smoother mash). Season with salt and pepper.
• Plan on 1/3 to 1/2 pound potatoes per person for your feast.

PERFECT MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Peel and cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place in a medium saucepan. Cover with cold water; add 1 tablespoon salt. bring to a simmer. If using a potato ricer, fill another saucepan with water; place over low heat. Keep potatoes at a low simmer until a knife slips in and out easily. Drain potatoes in a colander. Place milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
• If using an electric mixer with paddle attachment, proceed to Step 4. If using a potato ricer, place a heat-proof bowl or top of a double boiler over a pan of simmering water. Press hot, drained potatoes through ricer into bowl.
• Stir potatoes with a wooden spoon until smooth, about 1 minute. Using a whisk, incorporate butter. Drizzle in hot milk, whisking continuously. Add pepper, nutmeg, and salt to taste; whisk to combine. Serve immediately.
• For the electric-mixer method, transfer hot, drained potatoes to bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-low speed, until most lumps have disappeared, about 1 minute. Add butter; mix until blended. On low speed, add hot milk in a slow stream, then add pepper, nutmeg, and salt to taste. Mix to combine.

CHEF JOHN'S PERFECT MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place the potatoes into a large pot, and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, and return the potatoes to the pot. Turn heat to high, and allow the potatoes to dry for about 30 seconds. Turn off the heat.
• Mash the potatoes with a potato masher twice around the pot, then add the butter and milk. Continue to mash until smooth and fluffy. Whisk in the salt and black pepper until evenly distributed, about 15 seconds.