Although there are times when I want to make mashed potatoes ahead or to change their texture or taste, I find myself most often making the basic mashed potatoes that my mom used to make. The ones that are smooth (or mostly smooth) and creamy. The ones that go great with gravy.
Sure, they are simplistic, but isn’t that the point? They are comfort food…warm, hearty and often associated with family memories.
In fact, I can’t make these mashed potatoes without thinking about one of my aunts. Whenever we would cook for her and my uncle on the holidays, she seemed to always find her way into the kitchen when we were making the mashed potatoes and instruct my sister or myself (often my sister) on how to peel, cut, mash or whatever stage we were at in the process. I guess it was the retired school teacher in her…
Honestly, they are easy to make and usually do not require much instruction 🙂
These mashed potatoes are great to serve with hot roast beef,turkey or pork and gravy sandwiches, and to use the leftovers in potato pancakes.