One of our first culinary clashes was over mashed potatoes.
“To be good, they need to be hugely unhealthy with lashings of cream and butter,” Danny announced as he searched the fridge shelves for double cream.
“I like them made with a dash of milk and a large knob of butter.”
“Milk?” His eyes rolled.
We did agree on one point. White pepper is essential. I had always used black pepper but Danny introduced me to the subtleties of white on eggs, swede and potatoes. So we have a small oak peppermill filled with white peppercorns that sits on the shelf above the cooker.
For ten years we made our own versions of mashed potato. We both used a potato ricer and white pepper but then our paths diverged into widely differing territory. For years I’ve tried unsuccessfully to woo him towards my method. But he has stood firm until this week.
Last night I decided to add a creamed potato topping to a Cottage Pie. I peeled and quartered 450g of potatoes. Simmered the potatoes until they were soft (slightly softer than a boiled spud) and drained them well. Then I roughly mashed them with a wooden spoon added a large splosh of single cream (3 tablespoons) and a walnut sized knob of butter. Then I beat them using the handheld electric whisk. Within a couple of minutes I had perfect, lump free creamed potatoes. I scattered a topping of a tablespoon of grated mature cheddar before browning the top under the grill
Tonight was Fish Pie and I made the creamed potatoes again and jettisoned the cream. All that I added was a small dash of milk (1 tablespoon) and a walnut sized knob of butter, plus the grated cheddar topping.
“This potato topping is wonderful,” chortled D, as he reached for a second helping. “I reckon that it’s even better than last night’s.”
Thanksgiving Techniques class at Williams-Sonoma, learning how to use a potato ricer to make scrumptious mashed potatoes.
Kitchen appliances Directory
Grunwerg Commercial Grade Potato Ricer
Grunwerg Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Potato Ricer ... This Grunwerg Potato Ricer is built with professional chefs in mind, with bullet proof high precision design. ...
Potato Ricer | Commercial Potato Ricer-Masher
A potato ricer creates a smooth, consistent texture for mashed potatoes and other fruits and vegetables. Over 650 kitchen tools to choose from. ...
Potato Ricers - Shopping | Potatoricer.net
Potato ricer information and details on suppliers ... As with all ricers, the commercial ricer is designed to deliver perfect potato mash every time. ...
Commercial Potato Ricer (Masher)
A potato ricer creates a smooth, consistent texture for mashed potatoes and other fruits and vegetables.
Norpro Stainless Steel Commercial Potato Ricer 
