Versatile Mashed Red Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. small red potatoes, skins washed, quartered
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 10 minutes, drain and return to pot.

Meanwhile, heat the butter, milk and sour cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Do not overheat!

Mash the potatoes and slowly add butter, milk and sour cream mixture until smooth and creamy (because you may not always need the entire mixture amount), season with the salt and pepper to taste, stir in the flavor enhancements if desired, and serve.

Flavor Enhancements

• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 1/2 Tbsp. minced garlic, sauteed in the butter before adding milk and sour cream for heating
• 1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/3 cup sweet onion, finely chopped, sauteed in the butter before adding milk and sour cream for heating
• 4 oz fresh parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 Tbsp. dry mustard
• 1 or 2 ramen noodle seasoning packets
• 2 Tbsp. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing/Dip powder
• 1 Tbsp. wasabi powder

By Deeli from Richland, WA