smashing

Living with a meat and potatoes man means that our family eats a lot of potatoes. I mean a lot! The great thing about them is not only do they come in a wonderful variety, but they also can be prepared in so many different ways that you hardly notice that you are having the same starch over and over again.

Recently I felt ambitious enough to make some smashed potatoes. Note, I didn't same mashed. I don't have the time or patience to get my taters whipped to creamy silky perfection. Between the cat hair that has to be swept off the floors, the dogs that need walking, and the baby who creates more laundry than any tiny human should, I have to pick and choose my battles. So, lumpy but lovely potatoes it is.

When I make these I prefer to grab about 6 medium red potatoes and cut them at least in half before I boil them. I like the flavor better and they cook so much faster. After boiling them til fork tender,  I drain the liquid and keep them in the hot pot. I add in some kosher salt, 2 tblsp of butter, 1/4 cup of cream, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan, freshly cracked pepper and a generous dash of parsley. Them I get out my handy masher and take out my frustrations of the day (Really, mail man, why do you always come when the baby is napping? You know the dogs are gonna bark and wake him.) Once well combined I heap mounds on the plates of myself and the carnivore.

What's not to love about some calming carbs at the end of the day? Plus, the salty cheese and fresh herbs just add that extra punch. They are marvelous and will satisfy the meat and potatoes people in your lives, or just the potato ones....