The Pioneer Woman's Secret To The Creamiest Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes
Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman, reveals a simple method to ease the stress of making mashed potatoes and create the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. As the holiday approaches, home cooks nationwide begin planning their big meals. While turkey often causes the most anxiety, side dishes can be equally challenging.
On her website, The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond emphasizes keeping mashed potatoes straightforward and low tech. Her recipe relies on a generous amount of dairy but avoids complicated techniques.
Mashing Method
Drummond advises against using blenders or electric mixers. Instead, she prefers the traditional approach: a potato masher. "The good ol' fashion way, baby! I like using a potato masher," she says. She warns that overmashing can ruin the texture.
"The thing about mashed potatoes is that you don't want to overmash them (yes, that is possible!)."
Scientific Explanation
She explains that overworking potatoes causes them to release excessive starch, making them gummy and unappetizing. Although blenders and electric mixers are versatile kitchen tools, they are not suitable for mashed potatoes.
"When you overwork potatoes, they release too much starch and start getting gummy."
Recommended Tools
Drummond recommends using a potato masher combined with some elbow grease, which reduces the risk of overprocessing compared to electric mixers.
"By using a potato masher and some elbow grease, you're less likely to overdo it than if you were to whip them with an electric mixer. Never, ever put the potatoes in a blender or food processor."
Author’s summary: Ree Drummond’s creamy mashed potatoes are best made simply with a potato masher to avoid overworking and releasing excess starch, ensuring a perfect Thanksgiving side dish.