The secret to perfect potatoes, every time

If you can boil water, you can make mashed potatoes. But did you know there are easy ways to bring ordinary mashed potatoes to stupendous heights of texture and flavor?

Fluffy mashed potatoes seasoned with nothing more than butter, cream, salt and pepper are the perfect accompaniment to turkey and gravy, a grand holiday roast or simple weeknight meals. When dolled up with cheese, horseradish, fresh garlic (peel 10 cloves for the boiling water) or chives, mashed potatoes will steal the show.