How to Cook Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are one of those comfort foods that have no comparison for some people. There are countless ways to make mashed potatoes and many different blends of ingredients that can create different mashed potato dishes. Whether you seek to make a healthy variation of mashed potatoes or a variation with more cream and butter, the basic technique is the same.

Things You'll Need

• 6 potatoes (russets, Yukon golds, reds) 1/2 cup butter 1 cup cream Salt and pepper Large pot Small pan Paring knife Cutting Board Colander Food mill Bowl Wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Fill the pot half full with water.

2. Wash the potatoes and peel them. Place the potatoes into the pot of water after they are peeled.

3. Retrieve one potato at a time from the water and cut it into 2-inch cubes. Place the cubed potatoes back in the pot and continue cubing each potato in the same fashion.

4. Add a pinch of salt to the potatoes in the pot. Boil the potatoes and then reduce the heat back to simmer.

5. Simmer the potatoes until they are cooked. Insert a fork into the center of one cube of potato. When the fork slides in and is easily removed, the potatoes are done. Remove from the heat.

6. Pour the potatoes into the colander to drain. Allow the potatoes to sit for several minutes to fully drain.

7. Place the cream and butter into a small pan and heat over on a burner set to low. Stir constantly and watch to prevent burning. Remove from the heat when the butter has melted.

8. Set the food mill over a bowl and pour the potatoes into the food mill. Turn the paddle of the food mill to force the potatoes through the food mill. After the potatoes have been forced through the food mill, pour the warm butter and cream through the food mill over the potatoes. Turn the paddle to push through every bit of potatoes, cream and butter.

9. Scrape the potatoes from bottom of the food mill and into the bowl. Stir the contents of the bowl to fully incorporate the potatoes, cream and butter. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use different combinations of potatoes for different mashed potato results. It is also possible to vary the amount of cream, butter and seasonings. If you desire a healthier mashed potato dish, use milk instead of cream, use less butter and watch how much salt you add. You could also use chicken stock instead of both milk and butter for an even lower-fat option. Alternatively, if creamy taste and texture is desired, use full cream and a generous amount of butter.