Step Aside Turkey Day… The Fourth Thursday in November is Now National Mashed Idaho® Potato Day!

The Idaho Potato Commission Celebrates America's Favorite Side Dish
with New Recipes and Dinner-Saving Tips

Eagle, Idaho, November 7, 2019 The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is thrilled to announce its new favorite day of the year ­– National Mashed Idaho® Potato Day!

As officially declared by National Day Archives, November 28, 2019 and every fourth Thursday in November thereafter, America’s favorite side holiday dish, will be recognized on National Mashed Idaho® Potato Day.

In a recent national survey of American consumers, conducted by Kelton Research, a whopping 97% serve potato side dishes at winter holiday meals. More than half the respondents (56%) declared mashed potatoes as their favorite spud dish at the festive gatherings.

“We couldn’t be happier that America’s favorite vegetable and holiday side dish, mashed Idaho® potatoes, is being recognized on Thanksgiving. While we don’t have data to prove it, we’re pretty certain more potatoes are consumed on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year,” explained Frank Muir, President & CEO, IPC. “From their unsurpassed quality, versatility and nutritional profile, it’s easy to see why the folks at National Day Archives officially declared the fourth Thursday of November as Mashed Idaho® Potato Day.”

NEW AND DELICIOUS MASHED IDAHO® POTATO RECIPES
Lumpy or creamy, with skins or without, there is no wrong way to enjoy a delicious plate of mashed Idaho® potatoes. For dozens of mashed potato recipes visit IdahoPotato.com.

This traditional recipe is the IPC’s most popular mashed potato recipe. It’s the perfect canvas to express your culinary creativity by adding cheese, chives, garlic or whatever your favorites might be!

Traditional Mashed Idaho® Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Idaho® Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 5 cups)
• 3/4 cup Hot Milk (1%, 2%, or whole)
• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
• 2 Tbsp Parsley or Dill, freshly chopped

Directions:

1. Place potatoes in large pot and add enough cold water to cover the potatoes. Cook 13 to 15 minutes or until very tender. Drain potatoes in colander.
2. Return cooked potatoes to pot and stir over medium heat, about 1 minute, until excess water has evaporated.
3. With potato masher, mash in hot milk, butter, salt and pepper. Beat with wooden spoon until potatoes are smooth and creamy. Stir in optional add-ins, if desired.

MASHED POTATOES 101

To make sure your mashed potatoes are the ultimate crowd pleaser this holiday season, here are a few tips to consider before whipping up your first batch.

• To ensure your potatoes cook evenly, cut them into similar sizes and place in a pot of cold, salted water, gradually bringing the water to a boil.
• Three medium potatoes will make approximately two cups of mashed potatoes.
• Bring butter and milk to room temperature (or warmer) before adding them to your Idaho® potatoes.
• Be sure to drain your cooked potatoes well, or your side dish may end up watery.
• Slowly add liquids to your potatoes; it helps with absorption.
• Over-mashing your potatoes can result in gluey and sticky potatoes.
  For fluffier mashed potatoes, add ½ teaspoon of baking powder while mashing. Allow the potatoes to sit a few minutes before serving.
• Don’t be shy to taste them along way!
• To make healthier mashed potatoes without sacrificing flavor:
  
  • Add fresh herbs, spices, minced vegetables or grated cheese to boost the flavor and color of your potatoes.
  • Add a bouillon cube to the boiling water. Save the excess liquid from the drained potatoes. Add portion of it back in when mashing the potatoes as a calorie-free flavor enhancer.
  • Add more milk and leave out the butter for reduced-fat mashed potatoes.
  • Try mashing your potatoes with buttermilk instead of milk or cream. Buttermilk tastes like sour cream but has less fat and calories.
• To keep your potatoes warm, place a dish towel or plastic wrap over the bowl or put them in a slow cooker on very low heat.

For more information about inspired mashed potato recipes visit IdahoPotato.com.

About the Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil, give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance. These ideal growing conditions are what differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states. For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.