Lunch: Basic Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe | MyRecipes

Recipe by David Bonom Basic, yes. Boring, no. Start with this recipe, and then try some variations. The key to perfect, fluffy spuds is not overworking them with an electric mixer; a ricer (or food mill, if you have one) or potato masher is the best tool

Ingredients

3 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm half-and-half
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Place potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until tender. Drain. Press potatoes through a ricer back into pan, or mash with a potato masher to desired consistency.
Add half-and-half and remaining ingredients to potato mixture; stir well to combine.
Variation 1
Golden Buttermilk-Chive: Follow the basic recipe through step 1, swapping in Yukon gold potatoes for baking potatoes. Add 2/3 cup warm low-fat buttermilk, 1/4 cup warm 1% low-fat milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper to potato mixture; stir well. Top with 8 teaspoons chopped fresh chives. SERVES 8 (serving size: about 2/3 cup) CALORIES 190; FAT 4. 6g (sat 2. 9g); SODIUM 335mg
Variation 2
Turnip and Leek: Follow the basic recipe through step 1, decreasing potatoes to 2 pounds and adding 1 pound cubed peeled turnip. Add 2/3 cup half-and-half, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; stir well. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups chopped leek; cook 4 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Stir into potatoes. SERVES 8 (serving size: 2/3 cup) CALORIES 179; FAT 5. 4g (sat 3. 3g); SODIUM 357mg