SIMPLE GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

READY IN: 30mins

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS

4 large red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into uniform quarters

4-5 large garlic cloves, peeled and cut in halves

salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

Place potatoes and garlic into a large saucepan full of cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to medium, and boil for about 10-12 minutes. Check potatoes for doneness by poking a few wedges with a fork or skewer--if still firm, cook another minute or two and check again. Repeat until tender. Drain, taking care not to lose garlic cloves. Return potatoes to warm pot.
Mash potatoes. Do not overwork, or potatoes will be tough (it's okay if there's a few lumps--it just means these are real potatoes, not from a box). Make sure to smash up the garlic, or pull out the cloves and squeeze in a garlic press.
Add some butter, to taste (I usually use 2-3 Tbsp), and salt and pepper, also to taste. Mix until butter has melted.
Add a little hot milk and beat it into the potatoes. Continue until potatoes are desired creaminess (the amount I use varies, but I usually use between 1/4 and 1/2 cup, give or take a bit).
Cover pot with foil to keep warm until ready to serve. Potatoes will stay hot for 10-15 minutes this way.
Serve with a pat of butter in an indentation on top.