I grew up in a family where extraordinary cooking was an ordinary event. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized my mom was a superstar cook and a far more talented cook than any other moms I knew – and I had no idea. One of my favorite food memories is my mom’s mashed potatoes. I know, mashed potatoes sound like an ordinary item, but my mom’s were to die for. These potatoes had an amazing power to melt any worries away.

Since my childhood I have never, ever, ever tasted a spoonful of mashed potatoes that are nearly as good as my mom’s. People say the secret’s in the sauce, but my mom’s secret is in the white pepper and sugar! I am sharing my mom’s tradition and recipe today so that you might start a tradition within your family.

Today, as an adult, those mashed potatoes still remain my all-time favorite feel good food. For my own variety, I like to add a little lemon zest for a summery taste. And as mom did, I always dress my taters up with freshly chopped parsley.

My mom gave me this adorable vintage apron and has a matching one herself. Now we live miles apart, but as I slide on my apron and make her recipes I feel like I’m back in the kitchen of my childhood. 

My mom had a way of turning the ordinary into extraordinary. I hope this recipe brings a little extraordinary into your kitchen!

Coming-Home Mashed Potatoes
serves 4

Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs red potatoes, washed and quartered (skins left on)
½ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and white pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions:
Add potatoes to a large saucepan and add water until potatoes are covered. Add salt. Bring to a boil and reduce heat and simmer, covered until done. (Approximately 15 minutes or until a fork can easily be poked through them. Drain water and set aside, covered.

In a small sauce pan, warm milk, sugar and butter together until butter is melted.

Add warm sweet milk and butter mixture to the potatoes and mash, using a potato masher or hand held mixer until desired consistency is obtained. Stir in lemon zest. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh Parsley.

Enjoy Michelle’s Mother (Paula’s BFF) Donna’s Marinated Vegetable Salad Recipe!