Decadent Mashed Potatoes

There is a new restaurant here in San Antonio called Auden's Kitchen.  The chef from Biga on the Banks, Bruce Auden, opened it his newest restaurant.  He had the most delicious mashed potatoes that Caitee raves about.  I stumbled across a very similar recipe and she swears it is the same mashed potatoes that she absolutely adores.  There are several variations below so you can add additional yumminess to the original recipe.  Enjoy!!

 

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 pounds white or Yukon Gold potatoes
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
  

  Directions

  1. Place potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in a medium pot, cover with cold water by 2 inches, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 35 minutes. Drain, and let stand until just cool enough to handle. Rub off skins, and discard. Cut potatoes into large pieces.
     
  2. Combine potatoes, cream cheese, butter, milk, and 1/4 cup cream in a mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until combined. Season with salt and pepper, and beat to desired consistency.
     
  3. Return mashed potatoes to pot, and place over medium heat. Add remaining cream, and cook, stirring constantly, until heated through. Serve immediately, or keep warm in a covered bowl over simmering water for up to 2 hours.
     
     

     Variations

     • Sour Cream, Bacon, Cheddar, & Chive:  add 8 oz. cooked bacon, crumbled; 1 c. sour cream; 1/2 bunch of fresh, finely chopped chives; and 2 1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese.  Fold in the ingredients after you have made the mashed potato recipe above.
     • Rustic Garlic Mashed:  While boiling the potatoes, add several cloves of garlic.  You will mash them with the potatoes.  Don't worry about an overly garlic flavor as it will be muted because of the boiling.  (Don't be afraid of the garlic!!)  Leave the skins on the potatoes...do not remove!!  Follow the instructions as outlined above.