Traditional Mashed Potatoes

Because this blog is hopefully a resource for my kids when they move out of the house, I'm including things that are standard fare that we make so often we hardly think of a recipe or how to make them. So here is a pretty basic mashed potato recipe.

Ingredients:
2 - 2.5 medium potatoes per person (5 for 2 people, 10 for 4 people, etc.)
1 - 2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
a few Tablespoons up to 1/4 cup of: heavy cream, 2% dairy milk, or almond milk
Seasonings: roasted garlic or garlic powder

Directions:

1. Peel potatoes, cut into 1-2 inch cubes, and place into pot. Cover with water.
2. Heat over high heat until boiling.
3. Reduce heat to keep a boil without boiling over. Cook about 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender with a fork.
4. Drain potatoes and move to a bowl. Add butter and milk. Add any seasonings you would like.
5. Using a stand mixer, hand mixer, or hand masher, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Notes:

• Using vegan butter and almond milk makes this a yummy vegan side. 

• Adding some roasted garlic cloves (1 - 3) gives it a nice flavor. Use garlic powder instead if you need.

• We used to add shredded cheddar cheese to make cheesy mashed potatoes, which guests just loved. Use maybe 1/2 cup of shredded cheese if making a dozen potatoes.