Basic Mashed Potato Recipe

My mother can hardly be described as a home cook, but there are a few dishes she makes and excels at. Basic mashed potatoes are one of her specialties. When it comes to mashed potatoes, she prefers them as pure and simple as possible. Fill a large pot with cold water. Add the potatoes and season the water with salt.

Bring to a boil over high heat. Cook, boiling at medium high heat, until potatoes are fork tender, 15-20 minutes.

Drain potatoes in a colander and return to the hot pot.

Add the butter. Using a hand mixer, beat the butter and potatoes to combine about 30 seconds.

Add the half and half and beat until potatoes are whipped and fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.