Name: Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan and Lemon
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 2 pounds russet potatoes , scrubbed; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), melted; 1 cup half-and-half , warmed; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest , from 1 lemon; 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt; Ground black pepper

Why This Recipe Works

For a light, flavorful mashed potatoes recipe, we used high-starch potatoes such as russets. The right tool was important in getting the best result: For smooth mashed potatoes, a food mill or potato ricer fitted with the finest disk was the best choice. For chunky mashed potatoes, we used a potato masher. Finally, cooking time was important in our mashed potatoes recipe. We cooked the potatoes until they were just tender, but not falling apart (a paring knife could be slipped in and out of the potatoes with very little resistance), taking care not to overcook them.

Before You Begin

Yukon Gold, red, russet, or white potatoes can be used--each turns out a different texture. For smooth mashed potatoes, a food mill or potato ricer fitted with the finest disk is the best choice. For chunky mashed potatoes, use a potato masher and decrease the half-and-half to 3/4 cup.

Instructions

Place potatoes in large saucepan and cover with 1 inch water. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender (a paring knife can be slipped into and out of center of potatoes with very little resistance), 20 to 30 minutes. Drain.

Set food mill or ricer over now empty but still warm saucepan. Spear potato with dinner fork, then peel back skin with paring knife. Repeat with remaining potatoes. Working in batches, cut peeled potatoes into rough chunks and drop into hopper of food mill or ricer. Process or rice potatoes into saucepan.

Stir in butter with wooden spoon until incorporated; gently whisk in half-and-half, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.