1.03.2011

Creamy... Dreamy... Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

I started making these for my Husband Rob’s Dad, Bob about 4 years ago.  They go really well with a great steak or simple chicken with veggies.  We had them at the Christmas Day Family Dinner this past year with our prime rib, too.  I guess what I’m getting at is… these are delish and go with just about anything!

Start out by heating your water.

Then cut your potatoes up like so...

Once your water is heated, add the potatoes and a heap of minced garlic.

Once your potatoes are done (they should be nice and tender), drain them and throw your cream cheese, butter, and milk into your bowl. 

Mash 'em up real good. 

Add your extra garlic clove or garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.  We ran outta minced garlic so I used the garlic powder. 

Mix the potatoes up and throw them into a serving dish!

(I made mine ahead of time and didn't want them to dry out, so I added some butta on top)

Look at those waves of creamy-dreamy-ness!

Here's the recipe, let me know what you think!

Creamy Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
Level: Easy
Prep Time: 5 - 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 – 25 minutes
Makes: Approx. 4 cups

Ingredients:
2 lbs – Red Potatoes (leave the skin on)
1 – Garlic clove, minced (I like fresh, but you can use preminced too)
1 package – Cream Cheese (I like neufanchel, you can use regular too)
1 stick – Butter (or more if you’re feeling really naughty)
½  to ¾ cup – Milk (or heavy cream if you’re feeling even more naughty than you did with the butter)
½ to 1 – Additional garlic clove, depending upon how garlic-y you like ‘em)
Salt (I prefer Sea or Kosher Salt) and Pepper to taste

Directions:
Fill a large stock pot with water and get it going on Medium – High on the stove.  Wash and dry the potatoes.  Cube your potatoes.  Place potatoes and garlic clove in the stock pot and cook until tender (approx 15 to 20 minutes).  Drain the potatoes and return to the stock pot.  Add cream cheese, butter, milk, and ½ to 1 additional garlic clove.  Beat until smooth.  Add additional butter and milk if necessary, until you achieve a smooth consistency.  Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Variation: 

If garlic doesn’t tickle your fancy like it does mine (I LOVE garlic!), you can leave the garlic out and have some delish creamy plain mashed potatoes.  Or… you can leave the garlic clove out and put as much garlic powder as you’d like to taste.