Nicky’s Velvet Potatoes

By Andrew Hunter

Nicky was eating mashed potatoes before he cut his first tooth. He loved potatoes so much that we relied on them as a vehicle for his balanced nutrition.

We called him Picky Nicky in those days, which meant we needed to work really hard just to get him to open his mouth at the dinner table. Once we discovered potatoes, we began mixing in other goodies…mashed peas, carrots, broccoli, almost anything we ate got mixed into his. I’m sure he would have been mad if he knew, but what he didn’t know helped him.

Those days seem like decades ago. Even though Nicky just turned six, he’s grown up a bit and is now much less picky. In fact he and Ben will now eat an international array of flavors at restaurants and at our own kitchen table.

The boys like their potatoes whipped soft as velvet. No chunks for these guys. By whipping the hot potatoes with sour cream and butter, you can create a velvety texture.

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Garlic & Chive Velvet Potatoes

4 peeled russet potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
2 tablespoons minced chives
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan, heat enough water to cover potatoes until tiny bubbles just begin to break the surface. Place potatoes in water and cook for about 15 minutes until tender. Drain. Return potatoes to the saucepan and add the butter, sour cream, and garlic. Using an electric mixer at medium speed, whip potatoes until they are creamy and smooth. Add a little more sour cream, if necessary. Garnish with the minced chives and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings

Stir-Ins the Hunter Boys love:

• Just a touch of wasabi and soy – buy the kind in a tube instead of the powder
• Butternut squash – roast chunks in the oven then whip with the potatoes
• Ground beef and Cheddar – chop up a left-over hamburger and grated Cheddar
• Garlicky spinach – they think they don’t like spinach or garlic, but in potatoes it’s a compelling combination
• Avocado and mango – I know, it sounds odd but who am I to argue?

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3. Empanadas para la Familia
4. Chinese Noodles
5. Halloween Spaghetti Casserole

Comments

[Steph @ Poster Printing]

I can't take the taste of wasabi, but I sure would love the garlicky spinach!!