Makin' Mashed Potatoes

These next few recipes are dedicated to my husband's friend who was lucky enough to be one of the FEW men that actually end up getting custody of their kids...heard your mashed potato story last night, bless your heart for trying! Hope this helps you......the amounts are based on what I make for our family of 5. You can adjust the recipes when making them for larger family gatherings.

Knowing how many potatoes to use: 1/2 of a large baking (russet) potato per person or 1-2 average sized red potatoes per person.....whatever that total is, I add a couple more servings for sending leftovers in my husband's lunch or for extra hungry tummies that want seconds at dinner.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
7-8 red potatoes
2 garlic cloves minced or 1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp butter
Splash of milk
2 tsp dried parsley

Fill a large saucepan 3/4 full with water, bring to a boil. While the water's heating up, wash the potatoes thoroughly (do not peel). Quarter the potatoes, add to boiling water. Boil potatoes for approx. 15 min. or until a fork pierces the potato easily. Drain the water. If your pans are coated with Teflon be sure to transfer the potatoes into a large bowl before mashing so you don't ruin your pans! Add the garlic, butter, milk and parsley to potatoes, mash with either an electric handheld mixer or non-electric potato masher. Return to pan to keep warm until ready to serve.

Mashed Potatoes
3-4 large baking (russet) potatoes
2 tbsp butter
Splash of milk

Fill a large saucepan 3/4 full with water, bring to a boil. While the water's heating up, peel potatoes & rinse with water. Cut potatoes in 1/2, then quarter each 1/2 (8 sections total); add to boiling water. Boil potatoes for approx. 15-20 min. (depending on how big the sections are), test with a fork poke. Drain the water. Again, if using Teflon coated pans, transfer to a large bowl before mashing potatoes. Add the butter and milk, mash with an electric handheld mixer or non-electric potato masher. Return to pan to keep warm until ready to serve.

Different Flavor Options for Regular Mashed Potatoes
You can always change up the flavor of your mashed potatoes to better accompany your main dish.

Example #1 - If your main dish is Italian, you can add 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp dried oregano & 1/8 tsp garlic powder or 1 garlic clove minced.

Example #2 - If your main dish is a red meat such as pot roast, you can add 1 tbsp dried minced onion to the pan while potatoes are boiling and a pinch of salt & pepper.

Example # 3 - Mix up the flavor simply by making a gravy to top your potatoes before serving (easy to use gravy packets are available at the store); whether your main dish is turkey, chicken or roast you can find different flavors of gravy to match your main dish.

ENJOY!