Valentine's Day Truffled Mashed Potatoes

These truffled mashed potatoes are a must for any romantic meal, and perfect for pairing with any one of our Valentine's Dinner ideas. Creamy potatoes mixed with a rich truffle oil makes for an irresistible side dish your sweetie will love.

Ingredients

2 Pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 Cup half and half cream
1/2 to 1/3 Cup butter, room temperature
1 Tablespoon white truffle oil
Course kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 Teaspoon chopped black truffle (optional)*

Directions

Simmer potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water (enough cold water to cover by at least 2 inches) about 20 to 30 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork; remove from heat and drain.

Return potatoes to pot and stir over medium heat until excess moisture evaporates, about 1 minute.

Remove from heat.

Mash potatoes with a potato masher or ricer (do not use your electric mixer) until there are no lumps.

Add half and half; blend well (the amount of liquid needed may vary, so add slowly until potatoes are fluffy and still have body).

Add butter and truffle oil.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Stir in chopped truffles, if desired.

Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

Serves

Makes 8 servings