some questions about making mashed potatoes??

Question

if you make mashed potatoes, can you substitute the butter with bacon grease (I'm plannning to use some bacon bits in mine).

Is it alright to add things like rosemary or thyme or stuff like that?

and are there any little twists that you can do to your mashed potatoes to give it some extra spazz or flavor or something like that?

thanks

Answer 1

First, We will assume you are not concerned about health aspects of your choices and merely flavor.

I good rule of thumb is, anything that tastes good on a baked potatoes ...tastes better on mashed potatoes.

so cheddar cheese and bacon bits= good
Sourcream and garlic= better
sourcream, butter, and garlic = best

Ive heard of the cream cheese and is renowned goodness, but I cant say ive tried that.

As far as herbs go...chives, onions, garlic are all good.....I havent tried rosemary but with butter it would likely be good.

Answer 2

I wouldn't use the bacon grease. Bacon grease does not taste good. Butter does taste good and it adds great flavor to the potatoes. Definitely use butter or margarine.

I wouldn't use rosemary or thyme. I think just salt and pepper is best.

One additional you could think about is garlic. A lot of people like garlic mashed potatoes. There’s two ways to do that. This one has the best flavor, but takes longer. Preheat oven to 350. Chop a whole head of garlic so the tips of the cloves are gone. Discard tips. Put head of garlic on foil/cookie sheet and cook for about an hour. When done, the garlic should come easily out of the clove with a little squeeze. It will be extremely soft, like spreadable consistency. Squeeze 3-4 (or more) cloves into mashed potatoes. A quicker way is to add 3-4 cloves of garlic to milk in a saucepan over low heat. Simmer until garlic softens and then mash everything together.

You can always boil the potatoes in chicken broth for more flavor. And you can add cream cheese and chives.

Answer 3

I personally wouldn't use bacon grease, but it's all that you have, it'll work.
I like to take a head of garlic, cut off the top, place it on aluminum foil, pour olive oil over it and salt & pepper. Bake it in the oven for an hour. Let it cool for 5 minutes then just squeeze the sides and the roasted garlic will pop out. Mash it with a fork and add it to a batch of mashed potatoes. It's also great with rosemary.

Answer 4

You sure can use bacon grease, and you will probably like it. Remember though.. the potatoes may seem a little "greasy", especially if you put too much. Bacon grease has a lot of flavor.. so go easy. You could put half bacon grease and half butter. In my mashed pootatoes I have used ( not all together, but different combinations of) garlic, garlic poweder, onion powder, beef or chicken boullion, chives, parley, dill weed, paprika, sour cream, cheese, parmesan cheese... to think of a few.

Excuse me, who ever the killjoy is that put a thumbs down on my answer.. Im guessing its becasue I said you can USE it.. everyone else says nooo.. its not healllthyyy.. The guy didnt ask if it was healthy.. he asked if he could. Where I come from, we cook everything with bacon grease and still live to be 100.. get over yourselves, or go troll the aisles of the nearest Whole Foods market and irritate people there.

Answer 5

I don't have anything against bacon grease, but I'd stick with the butter. I melt mine with garlic, and toss a brick of cream cheese into the drained potatoes to mash. And a good pinch of salt and white pepper.

Answer 6

I would definitely not replace the butter with bacon grease. The butter helps fluff the potatoes and makes them lighter, the bacon will just make it heavy. Also, it will discolor the potatoes. It's definitely ok to throw in whatever seasonings you and your guests like. At times other than T-day, I will throw in some shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream and bacon.

Answer 7

I guess you could use bacon grease but butter with bacon bits would taste better, and look better. Yes you can add rosemary and thyme. Sweet Basil is good too.

I like to use lots of butter and pepper and a little bit of salt, and then crushed garlic as well.

Answer 8

I wouldn't for two reasons. Grease will alter the color and will also weight your potatoes somewhat. Just add some milk or whipping cream with real butter, chopped chives, and the bacon bits. Your guests will love you!!

Answer 9

The key is to cut the potatoes relatively uniformly and boil them until when you poke them with a knife or fork they fall right off. Reserve some of the boiling hot water you cooked them in to use when you mash (it will also help your taters stay nice and hot). You can also add milk, cream, half and half, salt and pepper- whatever floats your boat:) Always use a food mill or ricer and you will NEVER get lumps! Good Luck!

Answer 10

i wouldnt use the bacon grease,may make it to greasy. add just a little milk it makes them fluffy. the other ingredients seem like they would be good in the potatos.