Winter is here.

Well winter is here so it is time to bring out the hearty comfort foods.  I am a Czech by decent so some of the items will be fond dishes from my childhood.  Others will be things that I prepared while I was a chef for 16 years.  Hope you like them.

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

2 1/2 Pounds red new potatoes

1 C Sour cream

2 Green onions, thinly sliced

1 Pinch nutmeg

Salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Wash the potatoes.  Place them in a large stock pot and cover with water.  Bring them to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until potatoes are tender – not mushy.

2. Drain the potatoes and place in a large mixing bowl.

3. Using paddle attachment, begin mixing the potatoes and remaining ingredients scraping the sides occasionally.

Cook’s notes: The potatoes can be steamed to produce a drier finished product.  Try adding cheese to them also.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

2 1/2 Pounds russet potatoes

1/2 C Heavy cream

1/2 C Butter

2 T Garlic, minced

1/4 C Parmesan cheese, shredded

Salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Wash the potatoes and cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes.

2. Set a large collander into a large stock pot.  Cover the bottom of the pot with 1 1/2 inches of water.  Set the pot over medium high heat.

3. Add the potatoes, cover with a tight lid and steam the potatoes for about 15 minuts.

4. Carefully remove the collander and rince the potatoes under running water to remove the starch.

5. Add water to the pot so you have 1 1/2 inches again.  Return the collander to the pot and contiue to steam the potatoes until a knife inserted slides in easily.

6. Remove the potatoes to a large bowl and mashe them with all of the remaining ingredients.

Cook’s notes: You can peel the potatoes, but the skins have nutrients and add a texture to the finished potatoes.