Extra Buttery Mashed Spuds Food

EXTRA-BUTTERY MASHED SPUDS

Steps:

• Place 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 2" pieces, in a large pot and pour in cold water to cover by 1". Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are very tender but not saturated or crumbly, 20-25 minutes (boiling will lead to waterlogged pieces).
• Drain potatoes, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid if making potatoes ahead. Return potatoes to pot and set over low heat. Gently stir until dry, about 1 minute.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 3 thyme sprigs, if desired, 2 bay leaves, and 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat.
• Pass hot potatoes through a ricer into a large bowl (if allowed to cool, the potatoes will become gummy).
• Remove herbs from warm milk mixture; discard. Gradually add milk mixture to potatoes, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until combined and smooth; season with salt and pepper.
• Serve mashed potatoes with a few pats of butter on top.

CREAMY MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Add the potatoes and boil for about 15 mins or until tender. Transfer to a colander and drain well, then return to the pan and set over a very low heat for 2 mins to dry completely.
• Heat the milk and butter in a small pan, then pour over the potatoes. Remove from the heat, then mash potatoes using an electric hand whisk or potato masher. Tip in the créme fraîche and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and creamy. Season with pepper and a pinch of salt.

BROWN BUTTER MASHED POTATOES (MICHAEL SMITH)

Steps:

• Cut the potatoes into large chunks then steam, boil or microwave them until they're tender. Drain well.
• Meanwhile, toss the butter into a small saucepot and heat it until it melts over medium heat. Because butter contains as much as twenty percent water it will then begin to steam and foam. Once the water has evaporated the foam will subside and the butter's temperature will begin to rise. The milk fat solids that are one or two percent of the butter will then begin to brown.
• Continue watching as it begins foaming a second time. Swirl it gently, watching the colour, until it turns golden brown and releases the aroma of toasting nuts.
• Immediately pour the browned butter into a bowl to stop it from browning further.
• When the potatoes are tender mash in the butter, nutmeg and seasonings. Taste and season a bit more if needed. Then watch the bowl empty!

CHEESY SWEET AND SAVORY SPUDS

Steps:

• Place the potatoes and sweet potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Cook about 15 minutes, until tender but firm. Remove from heat, and drain.
• Preheat the oven broiler.
• In a large bowl, mash the potatoes. Gradually mix in butter, heavy cream, chicken bouillon, brown sugar, and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a medium baking dish, and top with Monterey Jack cheese.
• Broil uncovered in the preheated oven 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.