America's Test Kitchen Mashed Potatoes

Fill a large pan with cold, generously salted water. Add the unpeeled potatoes. Place the pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat to a strong simmer, cover the pan, and let the potatoes cook until they are just tender, about 20 minutes.

Drain the potatoes well and let them cool until the skins are cool enough to handle.

Peel the potatoes. Put the potato flesh through a food mill or ricer and place in a dry saucepan.

In another saucepan, heat the half and half and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm.

Pour the butter mixture into the mashed potatoes and stir to mix. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the mashed potatoes immediately.