Mashed Potatoes
Chances are if you had an extended conversation with Brenda while she lived in NYC you’d learn 2 things:
Brenda has a deep love of cooking, especially baking.
Brenda grew up on a farm in Eastern Oregon. A farm that grew onions, corn and potatoes.
Come to think of it, every conversation she had she’d somehow find a way to mention these two things. They’re the essence of Brenda; the structure of her soul.
I think that’s why even the simplest of dishes she creates (like Mashed Potatoes) are insanely delicious. It reminds her of home and is her way to build community wherever she lives.
Mashed Potatoes
To a large pot add:
1-2 cups water
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2” cubes
1/2 tsp salt
Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium-low. Continue to cook until tender, 15-20 minutes. Drain completely.
Add:
Milk, 1/8 cup increments
Mash together. Top with pats of butter and serve hot.
Brenda’s Tips:
Serving Size: 4
Technically you can cut raw potatoes any size (or shape), but be consistent for even cooking, which will result in a smooth mash.
Do not make mashed potatoes with an electric mixer - it is too easy to turn the potatoes to glue. Mashed potatoes should retain the aura of flakiness natural to a potato. This requires a bit of muscle and a wire masher. Worth it.
ALWAYS salt potatoes while cooking - salt will enhance the natural flavors and is more effective when added early. That means you can use less salt and get great flavor.
You can prepare potatoes for boiling in advance, just be sure to completely submerge in water to avoid oxidation. Ready to cook? Drain, leaving about one to two cups of water for cooking. This can be done up to 24 hours in advance but be sure to refrigerate. Much longer and the natural potato starches will start going haywire.
Freshly harvested potatoes will cook faster (in any preparation) than stored potatoes. Consider this when cooking with potatoes.
Other great add-ins for a delicious mash: mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, sour cream, paprika, more butter
Window to B’s Kitchen…
How to mash potatoes:
