Fork Mashed Potatoes Food

MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Lightly scrub the potatoes. Put them in a large saucepan with cold water to cover by about 3 inches and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 40 to 45 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes in a colander in the sink. Let the potatoes cool just until you can handle them--hot potatoes make better mashed. Meanwhile, melt the butter in the pan over low heat.
• Hold the potatoes in a towel or in a kitchen glove and gently peel the potato skins off with a knife or your fingers. Quarter the potatoes and put then in the pan.
• Heat the milk in a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl until hot. Mash the potatoes with the butter with a fork or potato masher if you have one, until most of the lumps are gone and the potatoes are smooth and fluffy. Then stir in the milk, until the mashed potatoes are light and smooth, if there are still lumps paddle them smooth with a wooden spoon. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt or to taste, and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.

FORK MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Combine potatoes, garlic, thyme, peppercorns, bay leaves, onion and salt in a large saucepan filled with 1/2 gallon of water. Cook over high heat. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 30-35 minutes.
• Remove potatoes, cool slightly and peel.
• Combine potatoes, olive oil and butter in a large bowl.
• Mash potatoes with a fork or potato masher, then stir in parsley, salt and pepper.

MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES FOR A CROWD

Steps:

• Butter and cream cheese should be allowed to soften at room temperature for ease of use. Leaving them on the counter while you peel the potatoes should be sufficient.
• Peel potatoes, rinse, and cut into large chunks. Place in a large stockpot and fill with enough water to cover the potatoes and boil till tender.
• While potatoes boil, blend 1 1/3 cup butter with the cream cheese. (This is best done in a stand mixer.) Add sour cream and mix well. Set aside.
• Chop green onions, and refrigerate in a ziplock bag till serving time.
• Drain cooked potatoes and mash or whip to your liking (I like them super smooth, but some people prefer them lumpy.).
• Add the dairy blend to the potatoes and mix well. You can either do this in your stock pot, or divide it up into more manageable portions.
• Once it's all mixed, load it into your crockpot and whack it into the fridge.
• On serving day, dot the top of the potatoes with the remaining butter. Put the crockpot on low setting for 2-3 hours or until heated thru, then turn down to 'keep warm' setting (if your crockpot has one) till dinner time.
• Can be served directly from the crockpot for buffet, or divvied up into serving dishes for family style dining.

PERFECT FLUFFY MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Heat pot of water 'till boiling.
• Peel and cube potatoes - add to boiling water.
• Boil gently until a fork can be inserted very easily into a potato - drain.
• Add milk to the pot to heat it up.
• Transer potatoes to a mixing bowl.
• Add margarine/butter and turn on mixer to low.
• Gradually add warm milk until it is your desired consistency.
• Add baking powder - mix on high for 30-45 seconds.
• Salt & pepper to taste mixing thoroughly.