Making Classic Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving

When it comes to Thanksgiving Day side dishes, few things rank higher on the list than mashed potatoes.  However, making classic mashed potatoes can seem difficult if you’ve only relied on instant potatoes in the past.  This simple, easy recipe will help ensure that you can have the classic mashed potatoes that you want for your Thanksgiving Day meal.

 

You need to start with about six medium Idaho potatoes.  You will also need a large pot of water, about a third of a cup of milk, two tablespoons of butter and enough salt and pepper to suit your tastes.  Now, it’s time to start preparing your Thanksgiving side dish.

 

First, you’ll need to peel your potatoes and cut them into small chunks.  Each chunk should be about two inches or so in size.  Put the cut potatoes in your pot of salted water and boil them.  You’ll need to cook them for about fifteen minutes or so, or until they break easily.  Now, you need to drain the potatoes – leave them in the pot, though. 

 

The next step in making Thanksgiving mashed potatoes requires a bit of room. In the pot, add some of the hot milk and the butter.  Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes while adding the rest of the milk and more butter to your tastes.  Your goal is to make your mashed potatoes as consistent in texture as possible.  Aim for a smooth, creamy consistency.  An electric hand mixer is the best thing to use for this if you don;t want to take the extra time to mash away all the lumps by hand.

 

For a sweeter tasting mash, try using red-skinned potatoes, and add boiled carrots to the mash for a colorful touch.  Simply mash the fully cooked carrots in with the potatoes, ensuring there are no lumps and both the colors blend together. This is a very colorful, flavorful mash that your children will love!

 

You have now finished making classic Thanksgiving mashed potatoes!  Of course, you can add almost anything to the dish to your tastes.  Most people like a touch of fresh black pepper. 

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