Kicked Up Bacon Cheese Mashed Potatoes

• 4 baking potatoes such as russets, about 3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
• 1/2 pound sharp Cheddar, grated
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

1. Place the potatoes and 1 teaspoon salt in a heavy 4-quart saucepan and cover with water by 1 inch.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Drain in a colander and return to the cooking pot.
5. Add the cream, butter, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
6. Place the pan over medium- low heat and mash with a potato masher to incorporate the ingredients and achieve a light texture, about 4 to 5 minutes.
7. Add the bacon, grated cheese, sour cream, and chopped chives and stir until thoroughly combined.
8. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

baking potatoes, salt, heavy cream, butter, ground black pepper, bacon, cheddar, sour cream, fresh chives

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/kicked-up-bacon-cheese-mashed-potatoes-recipe2.html (may not work)