Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Although I've been making garlic mashed potatoes since I was little, I had never used the method called for in this recipe before - cooking the garlic with the potatoes. This is my new go-to method for garlic mashed potatoes! They came out with a perfectly subtle garlic flavor, and unlike in the past where you might end up with a small chunk of garlic in one bite and none in the next, the garlic was perfectly blended throughout. The cheese added a little something extra, but you can leave it out if you like.

Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Adapted from Betty Crocker "Heart Health Edition Cookbook"
6 servings

Ingredients:
2 lbs peeled potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes
6 garlic cloves, peeled
1/3 cup milk (might need more or less depending on the consistency you enjoy)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1.5 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese

1. Place the potatoes and garlic in a saucepan with enough water to just cover them.

2. Heat to boiling and then reduce heat, covering and simmering 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

3. Transfer potatoes to a medium mixing bowl. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and garlic together. If you want even smoother potatoes, use an electric mixer.

4. Add the butter, salt, pepper, and cheese. Mash mixture together.

5. Add enough of the milk to make the potatoes as smooth and fluffy as you desire.

I like my potatoes a bit thicker.

6. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info per Serving:
Calories 199; Total Fat 6g; Cholesterol 18mg; Sodium 251mg; Total Carbs 32g; Protein 6g