Saturday, February 2, 2008

Lovely Orange Mashed Potatoes

The other night I tried this variation on the usual garlic mashed potatoes I make. Turned out pretty good. If you're not used to the idea of savory sweet potatoes, this is a good intro. I likes 'em candied, but they're good for other things, too, and are really good for you.

  • 2 med sweet potatoes, peeled and chunked up into pieces about 3/4 inch wide. (I say "chunked", because it's the best approximation of sliced our dull knives can do with such an unruly vegetable.)
  • 2 baking potatoes (or, "ice" potatoes as my Mamaw would say. This confused us for years, until somebody realized that "ice", or "iche" was grandma for "Irish") Cut these to roughly the same size as the sweet potato chunks.
  • about 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and trimmed. If you believe the recent stuff about how good the oxidized compounds in garlic are for you, chop them in big pieces and let them sit for about 10 mins.
  • about 1/4 c. feta cheese or some other strong cheese you like (optional, if you're a sissy)
  • 1/4 - 1/2 c. milk (cow or soy), fat free half and half (a wonderful mystery) or dairyish item of your choice)
  • 4 tbsp butter

Using a large-ish pot, boil potatoes and garlic in just enough water to cover until tender enough to mash. Err on the side of more cooked rather than less. Drain and smash with a potato masher or ricer or fork or implement of your choice. Add butter and cheese, mash some more. Then add the milk until you get to the consistency you like. Add salt and pepper to taste, but remember the cheese is kinda salty so be sure to taste first.