[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference turris::cooks

Title:How to Make them Goodies
Notice:Please Don't Start New Notes for Old Topics! Check 5.*
Moderator:FUTURE::DDESMAISONSec.com::winalski
Created:Tue Feb 18 1986
Last Modified:Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:4127
Total number of notes:31160

3773.0. "Best potatoes of mashing.." by CUPMK::MCKINNON () Thu Mar 25 1993 12:15

    Any opinions on the best kind of potatoes to use for mashing?  my
    mother-in-law swears by 'baking' potatoes.  I usually use Idaho but 
    just can't seem to get a really good consistency.  (Boston Kitchen does
    a pretty good job).  Hmmm....maybe I'll ask them.
    
    Thanks for any input...
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
3773.1What do you mean by consistency? Smooth?NETRIX::michaudJeff Michaud, DECnet/OSIThu Mar 25 1993 13:493
	Last time I made mashed potatoes I used the kitchen aid stand
	mixer.  Using it, I don't think it matters what kind of
	potatoes used, it whips them up very nice and smooth.
3773.2RussetsFSOA::BERICSONMRO1-1/L87 DTN 297-3200Thu Mar 25 1993 15:564
    Ay Yuhh, love them russets.
    
    Mashed with skin on!  Rat hole.. how many peel first?
    
3773.3The milk is the secret....WKEND::MACARTHURThu Mar 25 1993 16:154
    I mash the potatoes first, then add milk (whole milk or half&half work
    best - much creamier) and a little salt and pepper.  Then I get out my
    mixer and mix until nice and creamy.  I've done this with all sorts of
    potatoes, and they come out fine.
3773.4one more thing...WKEND::MACARTHURThu Mar 25 1993 16:152
    re: -.1 - I also add a little butter or margarine too - forgot to put
    that!
3773.5CAMONE::BONDEThu Mar 25 1993 17:216
      DIR/TITLE=potato revealed:
    
      837  PINION::HACHE        31-DEC-1991    56  Potatoes (General Info, Recipes`
      842  PINION::HACHE        31-DEC-1991    17  Potatoes:  Mashed Potatoes
    
      Try to use existing topics for entries and requests whenever possible.
3773.6WAHOO::LEVESQUESimply ResistibleMon Mar 29 1993 08:473
 The key to smooth mashed potatoes is in heating the milk (and butter). If you
use cold milk, they are not as smooth. And use a ricer, for professional
results.
3773.7RINGER::WALTERused to be AquiliaTue Mar 30 1993 10:3527
    Good topic.  I just read in my Bon-appetite never to use mixers for
    mashing because they made them gluteony.  I agree with this and now
    am looking for the crossed old fashioned masher.  Not those weird
    ones where they don't mash.  Anyone know what I'm talking about?  I
    assume a kitchen store will have one if I ever find the time to get to
    one.  You have to get the ones where they have the little small square
    holes so they mash real good, IMHO.  It is a circular masher opposed to
    the retangular ones.
    
    Now, according to Mom... you mash first with BUTTER and then add milk
    to consistency you want.  She boils her potatoes.  I like to bake to
    save the skins and never microwave.  They definately come out different
    in the micro although I can't understand why.
    
    According to Mom-in-Law (who doesn't like butter/margerine) she uses
    only sour cream.  Her regular white mashed with one sweet potatoe mixed
    in with sour cream are the best for something alittle different!
    
    I have also used several different varieties but like Idaho russets the
    best for anything.  I would think that Yukon Gold would make an
    outstanding mashed however.
    
    I apologize if this note is in wrong place.  It wasn't write locked.
    
    cj
    
    
3773.8Pommes Mashed ?MILE::PRIESTAll at sea at SolentWed Mar 31 1993 09:5918
    Elizabeth David's method for Potato Puree (from French Provincial
    Cooking) produces GREAT mashed potato (I find a wire "balloon" whisk 
    is the best tool, and the result is smooth and melt-in-the-mouth
    light):
    
    Boil the potatoes in the skins in very little water - the drier they
    are when cooked the better. As soon as the potatoes are cool enough
    to handle, peel them and mash them coarsely, with a masher or a 
    strong wire whisk. Gradually add 1/2 cup (per 2 pounds potatoes) of
    very hot milk and mix in thoroughly. Add 2 ounces of butter, then
    whisk and whisk, for as long as your arm holds out. Serve immediately.
    
    (Substituting stock for some of the milk gives an even lighter texture,
    but obviously affects the colour.)
    
    Good mashing .... Jim