Any holiday meal would not be complete without a big steaming bowl of mashed potatoes. Buttery, creamy, and the perfect vessel for a swimming pool of gravy- mashed potatoes are the classic accompaniment for a turkey dinner. Just as people have pie preferences, when it comes to mashed potatoes some like it chunky and some like it smooth. I tend to fall in the middle preferring a blend of smooth and solid bits.

This is a simple and classic recipe for mashed potatoes. In an effort to do as much prep work as possible prior to Thanksgiving, I discovered that potatoes can be peeled and stored in water with a tiny bit of vinegar two days before the meal. Working ahead allows minimal hands on time the day of the meal. You can simply boil the potatoes until they are soft, drain, and then mix in everything else. The everything else includes plenty of buttermilk for a tangy smoothness, butter for a rich mouth feel, and chives for a fresh peppery kick.

Blended together and scooped into a big serving dish, these classic buttermilk and chive mashed potatoes are a welcome addition to any Thanksgiving table.

Buttermilk Chive Mashed Potatoes (Printable Recipe)
Serves 8-10

Note:
Potatoes can be washed and peeled and kept in a container covered with water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar for up to 2 days before using.

Ingredients:
5 lbs potatoes – washed & peeled
1/2 stick butter, cut into pieces
2 cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons salt, plus more as necessary
1/4 cup chopped chives

Directions:
Place potatoes in a large pot filled with enough water to cover the potatoes by about 3 inches. Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Boil the potatoes until they can easily be pierced by a fork. The time will vary depending on the type and size of potatoes used. When the potatoes are cooked through, remove the pot from the stove and drain off the water. Add the butter, buttermilk, and salt to the potatoes in the warm pot. Use a potato masher (or transfer the mix to a food processor) and mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. Taste the potatoes and add more salt as necessary. Stir in the chopped chives, and serve warm.