Mashed Potatoes

Chicken Stock

1. In a crock pot or large pot, add in all of the vegetables (washed, no need to peel anything), and the chicken carcass.

2. Cover everything with water

3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

4. Turn heat off, allow to completely cool. Then strain stock using a fine metal sieve and cheese cloth.

5. Store in containers. In the fridge for 2 weeks. In the freezer for up to 6 months.

Mashed Potatoes

1. Start by washing, peeling, and washing again, all the potatoes.

2. Cut them into 2-3 inch chunks.

3. Place in a sauce pot and cover with 3-4 cups of chicken stock.

4. Add a big pinch of salt, and boil on medium-high heat until fork tender (able to pierce a fork into the potato with no resistance)

5. Drain the potatoes and SAVE THE LIQUID, it will be used for the gravy.

6. Allow potatoes to stop steaming, this will prevent watery mashed potatoes.

7. Using a hand mixer, kitchen aid, hand masher, mash the potatoes to your desired consistency.

8. Add all the buttermilk, the butter, and chives to the potatoes.

9. Add salt and pepper to taste and you’re ready to eat.

Gravy

1. Using the boiling liquid for the potatoes, measure out 2 cups of chicken stock.

2. In a sauce pot, start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter, then adding 3 tablespoons of flour.

3. Cook the flour and butter until a nice golden color, this cooks the flour so there will not be a raw flour taste.

4. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken stock to the flour and butter and mix/ whisk vigorously. It should make a paste.

5. Add 1-2 tablespoons more of the chicken stock and whisk again.

6. Repeat this 3 more times. Then slowly add in the rest of your chicken stock. If you add the chicken stock too fast, you will have a very loose and runny gravy. To fix this, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of water (or chicken stock if you have it available). Bring the gravy to a boil, then while whisking, add in the cornstarch slurry. Allow to boil for 15-30 more seconds, then turn on low heat and allow it to thicken more. You can also remove it from the heat once the cornstarch slurry has been added and brought back to a boil.