Roy's Garlic Mashed Potatoes

12 servings

6 pounds unpeeled but scrubbed potatoes

2 large heads of garlic

2 1/4 cups of half & half, warm

3/4 cups (1 stick) of unsalted butter at room temperature

1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 heaping Tablespoon table salt

1. Place potatoes in large saucepan and cover with 1 inch water. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender, 20-30 minutes.

2. While potatoes are cooking, peel the paper-like outer skin off the garlic and separate the cloves Place them in a small saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until the garlic is very soft, 15 minutes. Drain and allow to cool.

3. Peel potatoes and cut into rough chunks.

4. Slip the skins off the garlic and combine the garlic cloves and the cream in a food processor. Puree.

5. Transfer the potatoes to the bowl of an electric mixer, and add the pureed garlic, butter, egg yolk, pepper and salt. Beat until just smooth.

Adapted from The New Basics Cookbook by Russo & Lukins and Cooks Illustrated.