TIP: I always peel the potatoes in “stripes,” leaving a little bit of the peel behind, because I like the texture and because it also adds a bit of color.
Ingredients
6 large russet potatoes (about 3 1/2 pounds total), scrubbed
1/2 cup milk
Kosher salt
1/2 pound (2 sticks) salted butter
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Peel the potatoes, leaving a little skin on each one for texture, if desired (I like to leave about 5 stripes of skin on each potato). Cut the potatoes into 1 1/2-inch chunks.
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the potatoes and simmer until they are very soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return the potatoes to the pot.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat the butter and milk over medium-low heat just until the butter is melted and the milk is warm.
Mash the potatoes using a potato masher, adding the milk/butter mixture in about four parts, mashing as you go, until the potatoes are creamy and well blended but still have a bit of texture.
Mash in 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Serve hot.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.