Buttermilk And Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes are such a versatile vegetable. You can make all sorts of things with them, However, the basic and most traditional is mashed potatoes. You can dress them up or down with what ever you have on hand. This recipe is one that I make a lot for my family. They absolutely love them.

Now, this is not a recipe for the faint of heart as it is not a very healthy version of potatoes. They are so delicious though and well worth it…. Remember… Moderation guys…. Moderation. lol. I am sure you and your family will enjoy it and it is really easy to make. I love a good long braised or roasted dish but, easy meals are where it is.

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb potatoes ( peeled or unpeeled but washed well)
1/2 block cream cheese – room temp
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup milk ( if needed) and to desired thickness
2 tbsp butter – room temp
1/2 tsp Lawry’s seasoning
1/2 tsp zaatar ( if you can not find it you can leave it out but highly recommend)
Salt and Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. If you are peeling your potatoes go ahead and do that first and get that out of the way. Place your cut potatoes in a bowl of cool water to cover. Let sit for 10 to 20 minutes. This helps remove excess starch from the potatoes.
2. When you are ready drain and rinse the potatoes under cool water and add to a pot. Cover with cool water about 1 inch to cover. Bring to a boil ( do not salt your potatoes as this will result in uneven cooking) and cook until the potatoes are just tender. You can use a fork and pierce the potatoes to see if the are tender. The utensil should slide out easily when they are tender. You don’t want to cook the potatoes until the potatoes are falling apart. It will make the mashed potatoes gummy.
3. Drain the potatoes and place back into the pan. this will help absorb the left over water in the potatoes. Using a masher mash the potatoes to the desired consistency you like. Doing this now will also help to keep the potatoes from being over mixed and gummy.
4. Now you can add your remaining ingredients. The buttermilk, cream cheese, butter, both seasonings and milk if to thick, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix with a wooden spoon or any utensil you have on hand until well combined and the butter and cream cheese are both well combined. Check the seasoning and adjust to taste. Place in a serving bowl and serve.