Classic Mashed Potatoes

• 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut in half (about 6 potatoes)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chive Oil (recipe follows)
• 1 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

1. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches.
2. Bring to a low boil and cook, uncovered, 25 to 30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan while still warm.
4. Add the butter and milk and mash with a potato masher until all the butter and milk are incorporated and the potatoes are creamy.
5. (Note: If you like smooth mashed potatoes, use an electric hand mixer instead of a masher and beat until smooth.)
6. Season with salt and pepper; drizzle with Chive Oil, and serve immediately.
7. To Make the Chive Oil:
8. Place the chives, parsley, oil, and salt in the container of a blender and blend at high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes, until completely pureed.
9. Strain the mixture through a sieve, pressing with the back of a wooden spoon to remove all the fibrous threads of the chives.
10. Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.
11. Remove from the refrigerator 1 hour before serving and shake to blend thoroughly.
12. Variations: For low-fat mashed potatoes, omit the butter and add just enough skim milk, plain yogurt, or buttermilk, plus a few teaspoons of olive oil, to reach the desired consistency.
13. Either way classic or low-fatthe potatoes can be flavored with blue cheese; pureed roasted garlic; Parmesan cheese; chopped caramelized onions; cooked, crumbled bacon; or chopped fresh herbs.
14. Different types of potatoes can also be used: try Yukon gold, new potatoes (with or without the peel), or peeled sweet potatoes.

russet potatoes, unsalted butter, milk, salt, chive oil, fresh chives, parsley, olive oil, salt

Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/classic-mashed-potatoes (may not work)