Mashed Potatoes

I usually buy White Russet potatoes, you can use any variety that you like. Russets also cook faster than some varieties like Reds or even Yukon Gold.  I use 1 medium potato per person, but since we are prepping for 3 meals, you will need to use 3 per person. So if you are cooking for 4, then use 12 potatoes.

This recipe is in conjunction with my on going series of Meal Planning and Prep.

INGREDIENTS:

12- 14 Potatoes, (depending on size, a medium potato is about 3 ½ to 4 inches long) If you have small potatoes then use 2.

2 Teaspoons salt ( use 1 teaspoon in water before boiling)

½ Cup Salted Butter or butter substitute ( =1 stick butter)

Wash and peel potatoes, removing any bad spots. Then cut potatoes into about ½ to 1 inch cubes. Place cubes into large sauce pan and cover with water about an inch above the potatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and place pot one burner. Turn burner to high. When potatoes start to boil, set timer for 10 minutes. ( Do not remove pot from heat, cover with lid loosely, stirring occasionally) * After ten minutes, dip out 2 cups of potatoes and cover with liquid. Let them cool and place in refrigerator using an air tight container.* ( You will use these in the Beef Stew, later in the week)

Reset your timer on the rest of the potatoes still in the pot and let them continue to boil for another 10-15 minutes, or until fork tender.  When potatoes are very soft a fork will easily go through the potato, they are done. Remove from heat and drain liquid from potatoes into a heat proof bowl. To the pot add ½ cup butter, and 1 or 2 Teaspoons salt to potatoes, depending on your taste. Then mash the potatoes with potato masher or electric mixer. Butter will melt into hot potatoes as you mash them, remember to taste to see if you need more salt. If the potatoes are a little dry add more liquid as needed, using liquid that you drained from the potatoes. Only add a tablespoon or so at a time mashing until smooth and fluffy! ( Don’t over work the potatoes after mashing, it will cause them to be rubbery.)

Optional: If you prefer before serving you can top them with a little Garlic Powder, Chopped Scallions, Crumbled Bacon, etc. Whatever your family prefers.

Note: Remember to keep any leftover mashed potatoes.  Refrigerate storing them in a plastic sandwich bag. You can use these to make the Shepherd’s Pie.