There are so many variations on mashed potatoes—but this combination of potatoes and basil is a marriage made in heaven. Creamy potatoes and the fresh peppery basil really complement each other, and the Parmesan doesn't hurt, either. Everyone asks for seconds!

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 5

　　2 cups fresh basil leaves, lightly packed

　　2 pounds large Yukon Gold or white boiling potatoes

　　1 cup half-and-half

　　3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

　　2 teaspoons kosher salt

　　1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

　　

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and fill a bowl with ice water. Add the basil leaves to the boiling water and cook for exactly 15 seconds. Remove the basil with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge the leaves into the ice water to set the bright green color. Drain and set aside.

　　

Step 2

Peel the potatoes and cut them in quarters. Add the potatoes to the same pot of boiling water and return to a boil. Cook the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, until very tender. Drain well, return to the sauce- pan, and steam over low heat until any remaining water evaporates.

　　

Step 3

In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the half-and-half and Parmesan cheese until the cream simmers. Place the basil in a food processor fitted with the steel blade and purée. Add the hot cream mixture and process until smooth.

　　

Step 4

With a handheld mixer with the beater attachment, beat the hot potatoes in the pot until they are broken up. Slowly add the hot basil cream, the salt, and pepper and beat until smooth. If the potatoes need to be reheated, cover and cook gently over low heat for a few minutes. Pour into a serving bowl, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, season to taste, and serve hot.

　　Reprinted with permission from Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That? Fabulous Recipes and Easy Tips by Ina Garten, © 2010 Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House, Inc.