Mashed Potatoes

Dude, mashed potatoes have a bad rep. People are always like, "Mashed potatoes are so hard to make, so I use those mixes with potato flakes!" Which, by the way, are equally good. But for reals, if you have potatoes to use up, like I did the other day, and it would go perfect with your crock pot turkey, which they did, this is really, really, really not hard. Try it out. You won't regret it. Especially if you go with the optional add-ins.

Traditional Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
4 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 10 cups)
1 1/2 cups hot milk
4 Tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Optional Add-Ins:
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
4 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley or dill

Directions:
1. Place potatoes in large pot and add enough water to cover them. Boil for 15 minutes. Drain potatoes in colander.
2. Return cooked potatoes to pot and stir over medium heat, about 1 minute, until excess water has evaporated.
3. With potato masher, mash in hot milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Beat with wooden spoon until potatoes are smooth and creamy. Stir in the optional add-ins, if desired.