Taters - Mashed 'Bacon & Parsley

By Kwasome

White potatoes can be used instead of Red Bliss, but their skins lack the rosy color of Red Bliss skins. Try to get potatoes of equal size; if that's not possible, test the larger potatoes for doneness. If only larger potatoes are available, increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes. Check for doneness with a paring knife.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon , halved lengthwise, then cut crosswise in 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 pounds Red Bliss potatoes (about 2 inches in diameter)
• Table salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon bacon fat
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted and warm
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (4 ounces) at room temperature
• Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

1.) Fry bacon in medium skillet over medium heat until crisp and browned, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate; reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat.

2.) Place potatoes in large saucepan and cover with 1 inch cold water; add 1 teaspoon salt and bay leaf. Bring to boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently until paring knife can be inserted into potatoes with no resistance, 35 to 45 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain potatoes. Return potatoes to pot, discard bay, and allow potatoes to stand in pot, uncovered, until surfaces are dry, about 5 minutes.

3.) While potatoes dry, whisk melted butter, reserved bacon fat, and softened cream cheese in medium bowl until smooth and fully incorporated. Add 1/4 cup of reserved cooking water, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using rubber spatula or back of wooden spoon, smash potatoes just enough to break skins. Fold in butter/cream cheese mixture until most of liquid has been absorbed and chunks of potatoes remain. Add more cooking water 1 tablespoon at a time as needed, until potatoes are slightly looser than desired (potatoes will thicken slightly with standing). Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper; sprinkle individual servings with portion of fried bacon and serve immediately.