Truffled Mashed Potatoes

What I really want to be telling you about right now is pear crisp. Yes, pear crisp. I assisted for a cooking class the other evening that served the most simple and incredible pear crisp. It has been in my dreams ever since.

However, I have yet to make this most-amazing pear crisp because I know the minute that I do, I will do nothing but eat it. Nonstop until the entire pan is gone. And I will skip going to the gym, forget to feed my cats, and probably take an afternoon nap instead. That crisp is dangerous business.

But mashed potatoes?  I can handle mashed potatoes.  I trust myself to make mashed potatoes and still go on with the rest of my life.  

Can I be honest with you for a moment?  Prior to today, I've never made mashed potatoes before.  Why? Well, the last time I had mashed potatoes was about six years ago at Thanksgiving and I remember thinking there was nothing to it but butter.  I'm not a fan of starchy, super buttery foods so once going vegan I didn't even try to recreate this with margarine.

But, mashed potatoes with truffle oil?  Hmm, I was intrigued.

These are exactly what mashed potatoes should taste like if you ask me:  rich and flavorful, with a hint of buttery-taste and salt.  Absolute perfection.  I know that truffle oil can be a bit pricy, so feel free to use olive oil instead.  Olive oil gives the recipe a slightly different flavor, but you still get delicious results.

Truffled Mashed Potatoes
From Vegetarian Times
Serves 6

2 lb fingerling or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 large cloves garlic, peeled and halved
2 Tbs truffle oil
1 Tbs finely chopped parsley

Bring potatoes, garlic, and enough water to cover all by 1 inch to a boil in a medium saucepan.  Reduce heat to medium, and simmer 20 minutes, or until potatoes are soft when pricked with a fork.  Drain, and reserve 1 cup cooking liquid.

Return potatoes and garlic to saucepan; mash with reserved cooking water until smooth.  Stir in truffle oil and parsley.  Season with salt and pepper, if desired.