Lindas Politically Incorrect Make Ahead Smashed Potatoes Food

MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Lightly scrub the potatoes. Put them in a large stockpot, fill with cold water to cover by about 2 inches and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a strong simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender in the center, 50 to 55 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes in a colander in the sink. Let cool enough so that you can handle them, about 10 minutes. It is important that the potatoes do not cool too much because they will mash more easily when hot.
• Meanwhile, add the butter to the same pot that you used to cook the potatoes (no need to clean it). Melt completely over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat.
• Heat 3/4 cup of the cream in a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl until steaming and set aside.
• Holding the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel, gently peel the skins off with a paring knife. Quarter the potatoes and put them in the pot along with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy (see Cook's Note).
• Add the cream and stir until combined. Season with pepper and additional salt if needed. Allow to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months.
• To reheat refrigerated mashed potatoes: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spoon the mashed potatoes into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup cream. Stir until combined, making sure there are no pools of cream at bottom of the baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and gently stir the mashed potatoes. Cover again and continue to bake until the potatoes are hot and steamy, 20 to 25 minutes more. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• To reheat frozen mashed potatoes: Thaw the potatoes completely in the refrigerator and cook according to the same directions as refrigerated potatoes but do not add cream. The potatoes might seem watery at first but will thicken as they heat up.
• Transfer the hot mashed potatoes to a large bowl for serving.

LINDA'S POLITICALLY INCORRECT MAKE AHEAD SMASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Gently boil the potaotes in a large pot of water. Make sure to add the salt to the water before it boils.
• Potatoes should take 15 minutes or so, just boiled until they are fork tender.
• Drain potatoes and return to hot pot and shake them around until they are on the dry side and no water remains.
• Add cream cheese and butter and smash the potatoes with a potato masher or large spoon.
• Add ceam a little at a time until the potatoes are the consistancy you desire. You may need more or less depending on the moisture content of the potatoes.
• Pile into a warm buttered bowl with a pat of butter on top.
• You can make this dish up to 3 days ahead.
• To add interest to the potatoes add a little paprika, parsley or snipped chives after you plate them.
• NOTE: If you are using large potatoes just cut them in half or quarters.

MAKE-AHEAD MASHED/SMASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Scrub the potatoes while bringing a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. If you don't like the skins in your mashed potatoes, you can also peel them at this point if you would like.
• Add potatoes and simmer 30 minutes, or until potatoes are soft and ready to be mashed.
• Mash the potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
• Add the cream cheese and sour cream and mix well.
• Sprinkle with any other herbs, spices, or seasonings you like.
• Final decision-- if you like your potatoes more on the smashed/chunky side, enjoy. If you want them smooth and completely mashed, then use mixer to whip them to your desired consistency.
• When ready, bring to room temperature, tent with foil, and reheat in 350-375 degree oven until hot, about 40 minutes. Reportedly, it can also be reheated in microwave or crockpot, but we have only ever tried it in the oven, so if you use another method, would love to hear how it works out.