Author Notes
I know this doesn't sound like a great way to sell these potatoes, but they taste just like the ones from my elementary school cafeteria. Their deep, earthy richness and wonderful texture come from being roasted in their skins rather than boiled. I think it's all about extracting moisture and concentrating the flavor. (Perhaps related to Tad's "old potato" theory?) Served with the creamy gravy, they are heaven on a plate. —gluttonforlife
Ingredients
- Classic Mashed Potatoes
-
2 pounds
russet potatoes
-
1 cup
whole milk
-
1/2
stick unsalted butter
-
1 teaspoon
sea salt
-
1/4 teaspoon
ground white pepper
- Sherry-Spiked Gravy
-
2
slices bacon, chopped
-
1 cup
chopped mushrooms (shiitakes are good)
-
1 cup
shallots, chopped
-
1
clove garlic, smashed
-
1 sprig
thyme
-
1 tablespoon
(heaping) flour
-
1/4 cup
dry red wine
-
1 1/2 cups
chicken stock (or any defatted meat/poultry stock)
-
2 tablespoons
dry sherry
Directions
- Classic Mashed Potatoes
-
Preheat oven to 425°F.
-
Wrap each potato in foil, then prick several times with a fork. Bake until tender, about 60-75 minutes.
-
Heat milk, butter, salt and white pepper in a large, heavy saucepan over moderate heat until butter is melted.
-
Meanwhile, unwrap potatoes and slip off skins with a knife (protect your hands!). Discard skins.
-
With a ricer, force hot potatoes into the pan of hot milk and stir until combined. Taste and add more salt or pepper, as needed.
- Sherry-Spiked Gravy
-
Sauté bacon in large saucepan over medium heat until crisp.
-
Increase heat to medium-high. Add mushrooms, shallots, garlic and thyme and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
-
Reduce heat, add flour and stir briefly. Add wine, scraping bottom of pan. Stir in chicken stock. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until gravy thickens, about 10 minutes.
-
Remove from heat, cool slightly, and then puree in food processor until very smooth. If you're feeling butch, push it through a fine strainer (or not).
-
Transfer back to saucepan and warm over medium heat. Stir in sherry. Taste and adjust seasoning, as needed. Serve in your best gravy boat alongside Classic Mashed Potatoes.
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