Not only are potatoes available year-round, they are also inexpensive.  With vitamin C, potassium, B6, and fiber, it’s a staple in our house.  My kids love mashed potatoes and baked potatoes, and lucky for me, they do not care for cheesy potatoes (funeral potatoes for those who know).

I made mashed potatoes the other night for dinner.  I try to include small pieces of the skin on in order to preseve some of the healthiest part of the potato.  I chopped up a raw potato.  Boiled the chunks in water until the pieces were soft (about 15 minutes). 

Poured out the water and blended up the potatoes with a mixer.  At this point many people add butter, salt, cream, milk, or whatever to make it creamier.  We are very happy with just a spoonful of plain yogurt, and a little bit of salt.

 This night I used the mashed potatoes to top my shepherds pie.  The base was black eyed peas (because we love them) mixed with a little lean ground beef to hold it together.   A sprinkle of season salt.  Then layered corn, green beans, and finally topped with the mashed potatoes.  The kids ate several helpings. The husband finished it off.  Definitely delicious and a dinner I will make again.