Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

Courtesy of Washington State Potatoes 4 Servings • 10 Min. Prep Time • 30 Min. Cook Time
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb. Washington russet potatoes
3 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. EACH mayonnaise or butter OR 2 Tbsp. butter
salt and pepper
peas, mixed vegetables (optional)

Directions:

1. Scrub the potatoes with a vegetable brush in the sink under cold running water.

2. Peel the potatoes with a vegetable peeler. If you wish, leave the peels on, but use only the masher, not the ricer or food mill.

3. Using a large heavy knife on a cutting board, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into 3 pieces lengthwise and then 4 pieces crosswise.

4. Put the potato pieces in a large saucepan. Hold the saucepan under the faucet and add just enough cold water to cover the potato pieces.

5. Put the pan on a burner on the stove and set the heat to HIGH.

6. When the water boils, lower the heat to LOW, so the potatoes just barely boil. Cover.

7. Set the timer for 20 min.

8. Using potholders, carefully lift the lid (hot steam will come out). Poke a piece of potato with a long handled fork or knife to see if it is tender. If not, re-cover and cook a few minutes longer.

9. Put a colander or big strainer in the sink and, using potholders, VERY CAREFULLY pour the potatoes and water in to drain the potatoes.

10. If using a ricer or food mill, work over a large bowl and push the hot potatoes through the ricer or food mill. If using a masher, put the potatoes in a large bowl and mash. Add the milk, butter, salt and pepper and stir well.

11. If using a mixer, put potatoes in a large bowl, add the milk, butter, salt and pepper and beat at LOW speed for 1 min., then at HIGH speed for 1 min.

Note: Confetti Mashed Potatoes: Add 1/2 c. cooked peas or chopped cooked mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, sweet red or yellow or green peppers, celery, onions or cabbage) to the mashed potatoes and stir well.

* Mashed potatoes are fun to make and great to eat. You can mash cooked potatoes with an old-fashioned masher, or you can use a ricer or food mill, handy gadgets which push the potatoes through small holes - think Play Doh. Or you can also use a mixer - but be careful not to overbeat, which can make the potatoes sticky. Do get help to drain the potatoes after they are cooked , the water and the potatoes will be very hot! This recipe will take about a half an hour to prepare and cook.

* For more great potato recipes, please visit potatokids.com or potatoes.com

Nutrition:

Calories: 206; Total Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 11mg; Total Carbs: 35g; Fiber: 3g; Protein: 4g; Sodium: 328mg;