Spinach Garlic Mashed Potatoes - Michelle C

adapted from the New England restaurant - Not Your Average Joe's:

2 pounds potatoes – peeled and cubed

2 tsp pureed garlic

2 TBS butter

1 cup half and half

2 tsp salt

1 tsp white pepper

For the spinach:

2 TBS olive oil

1 packed cup fresh chopped spinach or 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed)

1 tsp chopped garlic

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

Place potatoes in a pot with cold water to cover.  Bring to a boil.  Cook until tender – about 25 min.  Remove from heat and drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the garlic, butter, and half and half in a saucepan.  Warm over low heat, but do not let it boil.

Place drained potatoes in a bowl.  Whip potatoes with an electric mixer on low speed gradually adding the heated half and half mixture.  Whip until well blended; add salt and pepper to taste.

Heat a sauté pan.  When very hot, add olive oil.  Immediately add spinach (fresh) and garlic.  Remove pan from stove.  Stir the spinach and garlic quickly and well.  Season with salt and pepper.  Stir into mashed potatoes.  (If using frozen spinach, just heat it in the oil with the garlic.)