Pioneer Woman's Creamy Mashed Potatoes

If you've never heard of the Pioneer Woman then you are truly missing out on some delicious recipes. I received her cookbook as a gift for Christmas (thanks hun!) and was drooling over the recipes in minutes. My first attempt at her food was her creamy mashed potatoes. They were to die for, by far the best mashed potatoes I've ever made and ever had. This reciple feeds a LOT of people so if its only a few of, definitely scale it back!

PW's Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• 5lbs russet or yukon gold potatoes
• 12 tbsp (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened, additional 4tbsp (1/2) stick butter (optional)
• 8oz package of cream cheese
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup half and half
• 1/2 tsp seasoned salt, such as Lawry's
• salt & black pepper to taste

Directions:

• Bring a large pot of water to a slow boil over medium high heat.
  
• Peel and rinse potatoes in cold water. Chip into halves or fourths.
• Add the potatoes to the pot and increase the heat to high and bring to a full boil.
• Cook for 20-30 minutes or until a fork inserted goes in smoothly.
• Drain the potatoes in a large colander. Give yourself a nice steam facial while you're at it.
• Return the potatoes to the pot and turn the heat to low. With a potato mashed, mash the potatoes over low heat, this allows as most of the steam to escape. Continue mashing until all lumps are gone, about 2 minutes. Turn off the heat.
• Add the butter, mash.
• Add the cream cheese, mash.
• Add the half and half and stir together.
  
• Add in the seasoning, stir together until well combined, taste to adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Spread the mashed potatoes in a 2qt baking dish, even out the surface with a knife or spatula.
  
• Add slices of butter to the top (at this point you can cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days if needed).
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, cover the potatoes with foil, bake 25-30 minutes or until warm.
• Serve piping hot.

Recipe is courtesy of Pioneer Woman, you can find her website here: http://thepioneerwoman.com