CREAM-Y Mashed Potatoes

I feel like Bubba Gump when it comes to potatoes: I like fried potatoes; boiled potatoes; roasted potatoes; grilled potatoes; baked potatoes; crock-pot potatoes; potato casserole; potato soup....you get the idea.

My very favorite way to eat them is mashed, though. But I don't do that often because I try to practice "Everything in Moderation" while eating and this is one recipe that I find it very hard to practice what I preach.

The reason I highlighted the word "CREAM-Y" in the title of this recipe is because of the secret ingredient that will change your mashed potatoes from ho-hum to WOWZA!This would be the addition of heavy CREAM instead of milk. Don't worry about using cream. It's for a THANKSGIVING meal. Just.Be.Thankful. that cream was created and proceed with the enjoyment.

This recipe serves 8 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare, cook and dress.

 You will need:

4 lb.  russet potatoes
1 T. Salt
up to 1 stick BUTTER (no substitution) *Start with 1/2 stick and taste)
1 T. sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream (may need a little more--add  1/4 cup more at a time till you are satisfied)
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
A little more salt, to taste

Peel potatoes and rinse well and cut them into 1-2 " pieces. Add to a large pot of water making sure water covers them. Add 1 T. salt to water.

Turn heat to high and boil for about 10 minutes, until they break apart easily with a fork. Turn off heat.

Drain potatoes and return to the pot and leave on hot burner  THAT REMAINS TURNED OFF, for 10 minutes, uncovered. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP TO RID  POTATOES OF ANY EXTRA WATER! Drier potatoes will soak up all that butter and cream and you will get the fluffiest, creamiest potatoes.

Add the butter and stir it evenly throughout potatoes. Then mash them to the consistency you desire. (You can use a potato masher or a hand mixer.) Then add the cream and mix well. (Add more cream if desired, like I do).

Add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or place in a warm crockpot for up to 2 hours before serving.

Enjoy~ Everything in Moderation