Garden Fresh Mashed Potatoes

These potatoes are inspired by a classic recipe in "Joy of Cooking". A quick-simmered stock of onion, garlic, celery and bay leaf infuses the potatoes with aromatics, then a touch of cream adds a rich finish.

Prep time: 10 min. l Cook time: 20 min. | Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 celery stalk, cut in 4″ pieces
• 1 slice onion, 1/2 inch thick
• 1 small bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 2 cups Potato Flakes or Potato Pearls
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/3 cup heavy cream

Preparation:

Stove top:
Place water, butter, garlic, celery, onion, bay and thyme in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until water is infused with flavor, about 10 minutes.
Remove vegetables with a slotted spoon and discard. Reserve stock in the saucepan.
Heat cream in a small microwave-safe container until just hot, about 30 seconds.
Potato Flakes, salt and pepper into hot broth with a fork until mixture is just moistened and crumbly, about 5 seconds. Stir in hot cream until blended.
Per serving: 180 calories, 11g fat, (7g sat, fat), 35mg cholesterol, 3g protein, 18g carbohydrate, 270mg sodium, 1g fiber