How to Use Stir in a Stand Mixer to Mash Potatoes

If you don't see what the big deal is about stand mixers, just try to separate one from its owner. As they continue to surpass their mere, albeit wonderful, functionality with their dazzling array of fashion colors and sexy designs, stand mixers are rising from kitchen essentials to status symbols. But, you are still supposed to use them, not just admire them from afar. Here's how to use the stir setting to make one of our most cherished comfort foods: mashed potatoes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stand mixer
• Potatoes
• Cream
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Garlic (optional)
• Scallions (optional)
• Butter (optional)

1. Peel, chop and boil potatoes in salted water until soft and fork tender. If you want garlic mashed potatoes, add chopped garlic cloves to the pot and boil them along with the potatoes.

2. Drain potatoes in a colander and then pour them into the bowl of your stand mixer.

3. Fit the paddle attachment to your mixer and turn on the stir setting to begin mashing the potatoes until almost smooth.

4. Add warmed milk and cream in a slow drizzle followed by a hefty dollop of sour cream and salt to taste.

5. Turn off the mixer when the mashed potatoes reach the desired consistency and taste. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, so you get every bite of mashed potatoes out of the mixing bowl.

6. Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes into a warmed serving bowl, using a rubber spatula.

Tips & Warnings

• If your stand mixer is a tilt-head model, be sure to put it in the locked position before stirring.
• For a nice twist, sauté sliced green onions (both white and green portions) in butter and then, using the stir setting on your stand mixer, add them to your finished mashed potatoes until they are just incorporated. Don't over mix.
• Taste the potatoes frequently throughout the process to make sure that they are not over or under seasoned.
• Do not over mix potatoes or use a high speed setting or the potatoes will become gluey.

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