(Occasionally disaster happens too) But last Sunday I whipped up last minute mashed potatoes for Robby and I that we enjoyed at approximately 10 PM while watching our newest addiction, Dowtown Abbey.
Everything about this simple recipe encompasses what I love about cooking. Making mashed potatoes is a right of passage for any home cook. We all should know how to do it. Once you’ve learned the skill you can really start to have fun. Rather than the traditional Yukon golds, I had baby red potatoes on hand. I placed them in cold water, brought them to a boil, and cooked until fork tender. I strained, returned to the pot, added a few tablespoons of melted butter and a splash of heavy cream. Lots of salt and pepper and some fresh herbs that I had hanging out in my refrigerator. A quick mash with a potato masher and Wa-Lah! Mashed potatoes on a Sunday evening. It was a cooking impulse that ended up being even more satisfying than a big bowl of popcorn while watching our favorite flick.
While mashed potatoes and a movie shouldn’t always be justified, it sure felt right that particular evening. The best part is I’ve got a side dish in my back pocket for weeknight dinners.