Martha's Mashed Potatoes

I found the original for this recipe for mashed potatoes at a Martha Stewart web site -- and I have changed it very little.  On the order of cardiologists everywhere, it is only to be served on special occasions.

For an accompanying gravy, try this concoction.

Recipe

  • 2 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered (suggest yellow-fleshed such as Yukon Gold, although russets work fine.)

  • A bit of salt

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 8 tablespoons of butter (1 stick) at room temperature

  • 1 package cream cheese, at room temperature, or slightly warmed in microwave.

  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup heavy cream (you may need a bit more, depending on how the dry potatoes are after cooking)

  • 1/4 teaspoon grated black pepper

Boil potatoes in a large saucepan just covered with water, adding salt and bay leaves.  When cooked, potatoes should be soft but not squishy.

Drain potatoes and return to pot, over very low heat, until they have dried a bit.  (Watch it -- or they'll burn!)

Add butter and cream cheese a couple of tablespoons at a time, and begin mashing potatoes.  (While purists say potatoes must be mashed with a hand masher, I frankly use a mixer at lower speed.)

Add pepper and heavy cream to get a smooth creamy texture.

Do not over-beat, as mixture will get pasty.

Best served hot immediately -- but they can be kept warm covered in a low heat oven (less than 200 F.) for a couple of hours.

Serves 6-8.