Grandma’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes

So, I will confess that I have never been much of a mashed potato person.  I don’t think I’ve ever voluntarily ordered mashed potatoes at a restaurant and every year I pass over the mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving in lieu of, well, any other carbohydrate.  But when I received a request for a shepherd’s pie from one of the offspring, I knew I had to tackle this mashed potato aversion.

The recipe below is one of the simplest – and most delicious – you’ll find for this much-loved comfort food.  Don’t bother trying to put a little less butter or use reduced fat sour cream.   If you’re the one going through the trouble of scrubbing and chopping the potatoes, you’ll be glad you went all in on this one.

And speaking of chopping …. more than once I’ve forgotten to chop the potatoes.  I usually get the baby red potatoes so I’ve found that those cook up in about a half hour and just require a little extra elbow grease to mash.   If you’ve had a crazy day which may have contributed to you forgetting to chop the potatoes, you’ll experience the additional stress relief that only the mashing of whole potatoes can provide.    Then you get to eat them first, before anyone else even knows they are ready.    You’re welcome 🙂

Grandma’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes

2 lbs red potatoes, washed and cut into 1″ chunks

6 large whole and peeled garlic cloves

1 c sour cream (I use Daisy brand)

3/4 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 shakes of cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

4 T salted butter

Cover potatoes and garlic with water in large saucepan; bring to boil and simmer 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Drain and return to the pot or stainless steel bowl (both provide a warm container that will help melt the butter and sour cream while mashing).

Add the rest of the ingredients to the potatoes and mash.

Try not to eat all of the mashed potatoes before you get the bowl on the table.

Enjoy!

I had a little fun with some vintage editing settings…. ok, it was a lot of fun! Mashed potatoes aren’t quite as pretty in black and white but they do make for a gorgeous picture!