I remember when Aaron first made these for me, I was super skeptical. Like super skeptical. Why are you putting goat cheese in my mashed potatoes? No no, only butter and cream and salt belong there. I guess I was imagining like crumbled feta or something because man, was I wrong.
I was hooked, for real. It may even be responsible for our marriage, they are that good. I went back to New York for Christmas that year with my family and insisted on making them for my equally skeptical family - they were quickly converted.
All of my friends back here were won over pretty quick too. They became a staple with any comfort food when I would make a big dinner for everyone. If they aren't on the table at our Friendsgiving there might be a revolt. So now I will share them with you.
Its not even hard, these are very simple but are rich and delicious. Trust me.
Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 large red potatoes (each about 3-4 inches long)
- 4 tbs. butter
- 4 oz log of goat cheese
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
Quarter each of the potatoes and place in a large stock pot. Fill the pot with water, one-inch above the potatoes. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
On the stove, over high heat, cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Boil the potatoes, covered, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork tender. Turn off the heat and leave covered for 15 minutes.
Drain the water from the pot, leaving the potatoes in the warm pot. Add the butter to the potatoes and half of the goat cheese. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher (for a "rough" mash) or using a hand mixer (for smoother potatoes). After the butter has melted completely, season with salt and pepper and add the remaining goat cheese. Mix well.
Slowly add the cream, mixing as you go, until the potatoes are your desired consistency. Serve immediately.
You can sub chicken broth for the heavy cream if you prefer, or do a little of both. Chicken broth will give it a more layered flavor, but can also make the potatoes runnier, so go slow!