DOWN-HOME MASHED POTATOES

      Title: DOWN-HOME MASHED POTATOES
  Categories: Potatoes, Ceideburg 2
       Yield: 1 Servings
  
       1    11-ounce potato per person
       1 tb Butter for each potato
            Milk as needed (1/4 to 1/2
            -cup per potato)
            Salt and white pepper, to
            -taste
            Paprika, for garnish
  
   Mashed potatoes need not be perfectly smooth; in fact, a few small
   lumps improve the texture.  Nor should the milk be premeasured and
   heated: The quantity needed will depend on the type and age of the
   potatoes. (Mealy baking potatoes that have been stored for a long
   time take more milk than new potatoes.) just pour milk in gradually,
   beating after every addi- tion, until the potatoes are just right.  A
   few minutes in the oven before serving will reheat and puff up the
   potatoes .
   
   1.  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, peel
   potatoes and quarter or halve them (depending on size). Drop potatoes
   into the pot as they are peeled, even if water is not quite boiling
   yet. Cook potatoes over high heat until fork tender (about 25 minutes
   after water comes to a boil).  Some pieces can be left a little
   underdone. Drain well.
   
   2.  Place potatoes and butter in a large bowl.  Using a potato masher
   or fork, coarsely mash them together. Make a well in the center and
   pour in a small amount of milk.
   
   3.  With an electric mixer (not a blender or food processor, which
   will turn potatoes into a starchy goo) beat potatoes, adding more
   milk a little at a time as needed, until the desired texture is
   obtained. Tasting carefully, add salt and pepper.  At this point,
   potatoes can be set aside, uncovered, until the rest of dinner is
   nearly ready. one half hour before serving time, preheat oven to 350F.
   
   4.  Mound potatoes in an oven proof casserole, sprinkle with paprika,
   and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
   
   From "Regional American Classics", California Culinary Academy,
   Chevron Chemical Company, 1987.
   
   Posted by Stephen Ceideberg; November 3 1992.
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