10 minute read
HOME, FARM, & GARDEN p.8 OUT & ABOUT p.16 SIMPLY DELICIOUS
with Rynn Hennings www.thehouseofelynryn.com
I have several recipes for mashed potatoes. This recipe comes from my mother-in-law who makes the best ever! So many people request them that she can never let an occasion go by without making them. I’ll share some of her secrets for making her delicious, mashed potatoes. Usually, people who make a lot of mashed potatoes have a favorite potato they like to use. This recipe is no different. My mother-in-law only uses very fresh russet potatoes and they always turn out perfectly. In a pinch, she will reluctantly use white potatoes, but her favorite is always the russet potato. They are usually very large, which means you don’t have to peel as many to make mashed potatoes. But the main reason she uses them is that they have a dry and fluffy taste when cooked.
Advertisement
Contrary to what many food magazines say about mixers and mashed potatoes, my mother-in-law always uses one to make her mashed potatoes. Always. However, she never beats out all the potato lumps because she doesn’t want them to taste like instant potatoes. Restrained beating keeps them from being overworked. Her mashed potatoes are light, fluffy, and never gluey. For this recipe, don’t skimp on the butter. You can also use salted butter in this recipe since you need to add extra salt to get a good taste. I have tried to make this recipe with a lot less butter. The result was mashed potatoes that were good but not delicious like the recipe my mother-in-law makes. If you are making these mashed potatoes for guests, use the full-fat version with all the butter.
Not many recipes call for evaporated milk in mashed potatoes, but it works because it makes the potatoes rich and creamy. Evaporated milk has 60 percent less water than regular milk, so it is concentrated milk. It is also known as unsweetened condensed milk, but do not confuse it with sweetened condensed milk. Evaporated milk does not have added sugar. Simply put, it is regular milk that has been boiled until it loses about half of its water content.
Heat the milk and butter together in a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl until hot but not boiling. Pour it over the hot cooked potatoes. You can substitute regular whole milk for evaporated milk, but there will be a difference in taste.
MORE SECRETS OF GREAT MASHED POTATOES
1. Always use fresh potatoes. If they have eyes growing on them or are soft, they are too old and might make “gluey” mashed potatoes. 2. Fill the pan with cold water when you boil the potatoes.
Hot water can cook the outer edges of the potatoes too fast. By the time the centers are heated and cooked, the potato edges can be overcooked. 3. Don’t overcook the potatoes. Check them with a fork. If they are tender enough to stick a fork through, then they are cooked. It is easy to overcook them until they shatter when forked. Take them off the stove before this point. 4. Don’t leave the potatoes in the cooking water after they finish cooking. Drain them as soon as they finish cooking, or they will overcook and absorb too much water.
5. Melt the butter and heat the milk before adding them to the hot potatoes. Cold milk and butter can cool your potatoes before you can serve them. 6. Use enough salt. Mashed potatoes need more salt than you might think to be properly seasoned. 7. Sprinkle in some instant potatoes if you accidentally add too much liquid. Instant potatoes will absorb the excess liquid.
RUSSET MASHED POTATOES
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
• 3 pounds russet potatoes (use very fresh potatoes) • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 - 1 1/2 cups evaporated whole milk • 2 teaspoons salt
Directions
1. Wash and peel potatoes. Cut into slices or small cubes and add to a large pot. Fill the pot with enough cold water to cover the potatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Then remove the lid, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Do not start timing the potatoes until they come to a boil. 2. While the potatoes cook, heat 6 tablespoons of butter
and 3/4 cup of canned milk until warm and the butter is melted. Set aside. 3. Drain and place potatoes in a mixing bowl. 4. Add the pepper, the other teaspoon of salt, and the heated milk/butter mixture to the potatoes. Beat with a mixer until creamy, leaving some potato lumps. Heat and add more milk if necessary. The potatoes should be creamy and not dry. Do not overbeat. 5. Add more salt if needed. Place potatoes in a serving bowl and then add the last tablespoon of butter to the top of the potatoes and let melt. Refrigerate leftovers.
Savory Tips
Stovetop Reheating: To reheat leftover mashed potatoes, place them into a pan. Add 3 or 4 tablespoons of milk (canned or whole milk). Stir. Heat the potatoes until hot. Add additional milk if necessary, so the potatoes are creamy and not stiff. Microwave Reheating: You can also reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave. Place the leftover potatoes in a microwavesafe bowl. Add 3-4 tablespoons of milk. Stir until creamy, adding more milk if necessary. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until hot. Make Your Own Evaporated Milk: If you don't have evaporated milk on hand, you can make your own by adding 3 cups of whole milk to a thick-bottomed saucepan. Bring the milk to a simmer and cook it until it reduces to 1 1/2 cups. For more recipes, visit www.thehouseofelynryn.com
C ome Home to...
laurel oak farm
Nestled on 55 Secluded Acres in the Virginia Mountains
Laurel Oak is your ideal destination for: Mountain Retreat Weekend Getaways or Extended Stay Church Groups / Weddings / Wedding Receptions Family or High School Reunions Shopping Excursions Uninterrupted Business Travel
Located just 30 miles North of Mount Airy in
the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia laureloakrentals.com C ome Home to... Laurel Oak Farm
Your Home Away from Home
Four Spectacular Accommodations to Choose From
THE BARN
The
Western-style home. The spacious Barn features three bedrooms and five baths.
THE FARMHOUSE
a classic mid-twentieth century home with three bedrooms and one bath. Come sit on the front porch or relax by the outdoor fire pit as part of the total Farmhouse experience. THE CABIN The Cabin's cedar porches and massive beams offer a once in a lifetime rustic cabin experience. Inside is a loft, two bedrooms and one bath featuring a soaker tub with shower. C ome Home to...
THE HOMESTEAD
Our newest property is now available for rental in 2023. The Homestead with its rustic but updated features and deep, wraparound porch is sure to be a favorite destination for our guests for years to come. Call and reserve your stay today!
MOVING MORE IN THE NEW YEAR
2023 is here and it is time to get moving! Would you like to feel and sleep better, increase your energy levels, have a more positive attitude, reduce the risk for certain chronic diseases and maybe even lose some weight? These claims are better than you would hear from a late-night TV infomercial. The exciting part is that we can experience all these benefits without taking any medication, buying any special food, or spending lots of money. What’s the answer? Daily physical activity. During the winter, it is more challenging for many of us to get outside to take a walk. Think about how you may be able to fit more movement into your day. It may be something as simple as parking your car in a space farther away from where you are going or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Use commercials during your favorite TV shows as movement breaks. Get out of your chair and move around. Even just standing up and sitting back down several times can help strengthen leg muscles. Use hand weights, or a bottle of water will work, to strengthen your arms. One fun idea is to take a blown-up balloon, hit it into the air and keep hitting it up to see if you can keep the balloon from touching the floor during the whole commercial. (It is amazing how long some of the commercials last.) This is even more fun to do with a partner, hitting it back and forth to each other. Not only are you getting some exercise, but the movement will also warm you up on a cold day. If you do decide to go outside to get some fresh air and exercise, it is important that you take the weather into consideration and dress appropriately for the conditions. Use these tips from Eat Smart, Move More, NC to make your winter walk safe and enjoyable. • Dress in layers so that you can remove or put back on as needed.
• Wear a hat to minimize the body heat lost from the head.
• Wear gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm. • Wear comfortable shoes with good traction. • Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise. • Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from sun damage. Research shows so many positive benefits of being physically active. You are worth the effort. No excuses. Today is the day to make extra movement part of your routine and start feeling great. January is soup month. There is nothing better than warming up with a bowl of delicious soup on a cold winter day. Leftover soup often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to blend. Remember to put leftover soup in shallow containers and refrigerate promptly to ensure that it cools quickly.
BROCCOLI POTATO SOUP
Serves 4
Ingredients
• 4 cups broccoli (chopped) – frozen may be less expensive than fresh • 1 onion (small, chopped) • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium • 1 cup evaporated milk, non-fat • 1/2 cup mashed potatoes, instant (prepare with water to make 1 cup potatoes; could also use 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes.) • salt and pepper (to taste, optional) • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (or American)
1. Wash hands.
2. Combine broccoli, onion, and broth in large pot. 3. Bring to a boil. 4. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Add milk to soup.
Slowly stir in potatoes. 6. Cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly and thickened. 7. Season with salt and pepper; stir in a little more milk or water if soup starts becomes too thick. 8. Ladle into serving bowls. 9. Sprinkle about 1 Tablespoon cheese over each serving. Note: Can blend until smooth with an immersion blender if smoother soup is desired.
N.C. Department of Insurance Mike Causey, Commissioner 855-408-1212 (toll free) • www.ncdoi.com
JANUARY IS
GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. It often has no symptoms and if it’s not detected and treated, people can lose their sight.
Prevent vision loss by fi nding and treating problems early. Medicare covers a glaucoma test once every 12 months for people at high risk for the disease. You’re at high risk if you have diabetes, are African Americans age 50 and older, everyone over age 60, and anyone with a family history of glaucoma. The Medicare Part B deductible and coinsurance apply.
