Apple Mash

Odd, I know, but the combination of golden potatoes and apples in this old Irish side dish recipe is exquisite. I developed this recipe years ago based on research from my peeps! Supposedly, I'm related to the greatest king of Ireland, Brian Boru. There's even a wikipedia reference about him and a sketch of the guy looking like tarzan got cold and swapped out the loin cloth for a fur mini skirt and stole. You can use leftover Apple Mash to make potato pancakes the next morning. And for a fab St. Patrick's Day presentation, core a red apple, spoon the Apple Mash inside, and bake it for about 5 minutes -- let's call it Baked Apples ala Mash!

• 4 lbs. (about 8 medium) Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 lbs. (about 2 large) Red Delicious apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons Sugar 5 tablespoons butter, softened
• Add potatoes to a stockpot and cover in water and 1 tablespoon salt.

Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 – 20 minutes. Drain potatoes in a colander.

Meanwhile, place apples, water and sugar in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender, about 10 minutes.

Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth. Add apples, and butter and beat until combined.

Spoon into large bowl and serve warm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Makes 8 servings