Lightened Up Mashed Potatoes

What is better alongside your protein of choice than soft, velvety mashed potatoes?

Nothing you say? Nothing is correct. Mashed potatoes are an epitome of comfort food no matter where you come from. Everyone has that one family mashed potato recipe that is indulgent, delicious, and ta-die-for.

Usually it is loads of butter, cream cheese, milk, sour cream, and other delicious yet not-so-figure-friendly add-ins that make mashed potatoes irresistible. And I don't think we need to cut these out entirely. But today, I am bringing you mashed potatoes with a few tweaks that will make that second helping feel totally acceptable.

This recipe for Lightened Up Mashed Potatoes took a few trials and errors before I found something I was totally happy with. I have tried the whole "mashed cauliflower with greek yogurt" thing only to be left with something that really just tasted like barf to me (sorry to be graphic). So using this trend as inspiration, I met my super healthy friends halfway.

The key to making these lightened up mashed potatoes feel like their naughty mashed potato brothers is to not cut the potatoes and fat elements out entirely. I start with two medium potatoes, then make up the rest of the potatoes using an entire head of fresh cauliflower. I substitute low-fat cream cheese for the full fat variety and loosen everything up with 2% (or even skim) milk. I cannot completely eliminate the richness that butter provides, but I drastically reduce the amount that goes in while also using unsalted butter so that I can control the salt content.

Also, let's talk technique. Because cauliflower can be a little more grainy than a starchy potato, I found the best consistency resulted from using my immersion blender to puree everything together (rather than using a potato masher). I also cook the potatoes and cauliflower, then allow them to cool slightly so some of the steam and moisture can escape. While these steps may seem frivolous, I think you will agree after you make your first batch of these potatoes that they are well worth it for the perfect, creamy mashed potato.

Give this base recipe a try, then jazz it up however you please! I am thinking maybe a roasted garlic and chive variety would be a total hit.

General disclaimer -- it is SO HARD to photograph mashed potatoes in an appealing way. But seriously THESE ARE DELICIOUS! Sorry for yelling...

Shepard's Pie with Lamb and Rosemary

There is something so comforting about a warm plate of meat, potatoes and vegetables. And comfort was just what I needed when I whipped up this generous batch of Shepard's Pie.

I wouldn't argue that this is a traditional Shepard's Pie, mostly because I'm not exactly sure what that would be. I have zero Irish heritage in my bloodline, and I'm OK with that.

Not to hate on the Irish. I REALLY enjoy their soda bread, potato pancakes ("boxty"), whiskey, and coffee. I have lots and lots of Irish friends (I live in Boston after all!), and the movie P.S. I Love You makes me sob like a baby.

Alright, let's get down to business. I was inspired to make Shepard's Pie by my friend Ashley over at The Vegetable Life. This recipe is approachable, delicious, and fit to feed a crowd!

I love lamb and rosemary together, and I knew that was the direction I wanted to take this meal. Ground lamb is something I absolutely love. It's a great way to introduce yourself to lamb at home without worrying about overcooking a leg or burning a roast.

Start by sauteing a large onion in butter and olive oil. Add in the ground lamb until browned and crumbly (I can usually always find this at Whole Foods).

Plenty of veggies make this hearty and robust.

A bit of flour thickens together with vegetable broth into an irresistible gravy that is rich and flavorful.

Mashed potatoes are a must.

Finally, layer the meat mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top. Gently glide a fork on the top to create ridges in the top (just for fun!). Olive oil gets drizzled on top and the whole thing is baked until the top is crispy and the inside is hot and bubbly.

Nothing about this meal doesn't scream "comfort food." The lamb is tender and flavorful. The piney rosemary is rustic and homey. Soft vegetables and creamy gravy with fluffy mashed potatoes...it's a meal that will keep you coming back for seconds (and thirds, but I won't tell!)