Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

I'm one for trying new things when it comes to food, and so when I found this idea for adding roasted garlic to my creamy mashed potatoes, I was definitely up to the challenge. Roasting the garlic is truly genius, and I use a full garlic bulb in this recipe. Baking it in the oven for an extended period reduces the garlic's intensity, but then transforms it to the next level and creates this amazing garlic paste. So I sometimes roast 5-6 bulbs of garlic and store them in the refrigerator for later use. And I may have, on occasion, spread a tablespoon or two of this delicious paste over a piece of toast and eaten it just like that. And why not, garlic is supposed to be good for you, right?!

Anyways, I was reading our local newspaper the other day and, according to the experts, we're supposed to be hit pretty hard here in California in the next few weeks by the Corona virus. I try not to listen to the news so much, but it's hard not to, being a nurse in the healthcare field myself. News like this can bring a state of anxiety and fear about the unknown, yet in the midst of all this, I am reminded of 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love."

In other words, God's love for us is the perfect love because it is complete, lacking in nothing. God has provided for our eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, and so we don't have to fear punishment, but we look forward and press on as God's children and fellow heirs of His great promise. How amazing to know God has provided for everything we need despite the circumstances we face; and because God's love is in, fear is out!

During this Holy week, as I was mediating on Christ's sacrifice, death, and resurrection, which brought me so much reassurance and peace at a time when the world can't offer us any of those things, I discovered a hymn by William Walsham How, which really sums it all up:

"I sometimes think about the cross,

and shut my eyes and try to see

the cruel nails and crown of thorns,

and Jesus crucified for me.

But even could I see Him die,

I would but see a little part

Of that great love, which like a fire

Is always burning in His heart"

And that makes today a "Good Friday" indeed!

By the way. . . what's on your Easter menu? We'll be having honey-baked ham, these roasted garlic mashed potatoes with homemade beef gravy, and a side of butter and garlic green beans!

Happy Easter from our family to yours!

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ROASTED GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

Ingredients:

• 1 garlic bulb, intact • 6 large Russet potatoes, peeled • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter • 2/3 cup warm milk • Salt, to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 375˚ F.  Use a knife to slice off the top end of the garlic so that the bulb remains intact and all of the cloves are exposed.  Wrap the garlic bulb with aluminum foil, completely enclosing it; bake until the cloves are tender, about 45 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let cool, about 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, squeeze the bulb so that the softened cloves fall out.  Discard the peels.  Use the fork to mash the roasted garlic into a paste. Set aside.

2. Cut peeled potatoes in half or quarters and place in a medium pot; fully cover with water and cook over medium heat; bring to a slight boil.  Continue to cook uncovered until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain well.

3. Return the potatoes back to the warm pot.  Add in the butter, garlic paste, warm milk, and salt. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until light and creamy; add more milk, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, for desired consistency.

4. Taste and adjust salt seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.