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Mashed potatoes are not rocket science, but I thought what the heck I am making them for dinner tonight so I might as well post it.  Because I know you are all waiting on the edge of your seat for me to post something.  

It’s 5:45 and my kiddos are all vegging on the couch. Don’t worry they have been to practice and one has done his homework.  One out of three is not bad, right?  So….I have opened a bottle of wine, got most of dinner prepared, set the table, turned on some music and waiting for my husband, Ward Cleaver, to get home.  No, don’t start thinking life is always this calm.  This is a rare moment-even the damn dogs are napping.  It will be mass chaos in about 10 minutes when everyone realizes the house is too quiet. 
Back on topic… mashed potatoes! Yes we do eat carbs, gasp! They are so good and go with just about anything, oh and they are so easy.  Below is my recipe for homemade mashed potatoes.  
But first I need to confess something. On days that I am really busy or LAZY I will use a short cut.  And no one can tell the difference.  Secret-get a tub of the Hormel Homestyle Mashed Potatoes (they are next to the rotisserie chickens in my grocery). Dump that stuff in a microwave proof bowl.  Add 1 Tablespoon milk, 1/3 cup of shredded cheese, 1 Tablespoon sour cream, chopped chives and microwave that sucker for about 2 minutes.  And voilá “homemade mashed potatoes”.  But you must remember to hide the store bought tub.  

 

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Mashed Potatoes

6 medium sized Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
4 Tablespoons butter
2/3 cup milk or heavy cream or half and half
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tablespoons chives or green onion, minced
1 Tablespoon parsley, chopped

In a medium sized stock pot add cubed potatoes to COLD water.  Place on stove and turn heat to high.  Once the water starts to boil add about 1 Tablespoon salt to water.  

Boil for about 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are able to be mashed with a fork. Drain and pour into a mixing bowl.

Add rest of ingredients to potatoes.  Using an electric hand blender, blend until all lumps are gone. 

Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.  

If you are making this in advance, when you reheat just add a bit more milk before microwaving.