Good Old-Fashioned Mashed Potatoes

Place potatoes in large pot of salted water. Cover and bring to a boil. Remove cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well.

Heat half-and-half and butter in potato cooking pot. Return potatoes to pot, remove from heat, and mash until smooth. Stir in salt and pepper. For cheese potatoes, place in shallow baking dish and top with cheese, bake at 350 degrees just until cheese melts.