Best Jonathan Waxmans Mashed Potatoes Recipes

JW POTATOES, MABEL'S STYLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Scrub the potatoes, place them on a baking sheet and bake until the thickest part is easily pierced with a knife, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the potatoes to cool completely. Break them up by hand into rough 1- or 2-inch pieces. (This step can be done a day in advance; refrigerate the potatoes until needed.)
• In a small bowl, whisk to combine the mustard and vinegar. While whisking, add the olive oil in a steady stream to form an emulsion.
• In a deep-fryer or pot over medium-high heat, heat about 4 inches of peanut oil or lard to 360 degrees F. Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown and crisp, using a slotted spoon or frying spider to turn them often, about 4 minutes. When the potatoes are done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
• In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, scallions and enough vinaigrette to lightly coat (about 2 tablespoons) and toss to combine. Pour onto a platter, sprinkle with flaky salt and serve.

FRIED CHICKEN AND MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Prepare the chicken: Put the buttermilk in a large bowl and set it next to your cutting board; as you cut pieces off the chicken, add them to the buttermilk. With a sharp knife, remove and discard the wing tips (or reserve for stock). Cut the wings from the chicken. Cut the thigh and leg away from the body; split this section into three pieces by separating the drumstick and then cutting the thigh in half. Repeat with other thigh and leg. With kitchen shears, snip off the rear and the back bone. Push down on the bird to break the breastbone; cut the breasts into 4 pieces.
• Season the buttermilk and chicken mixture with a healthy pinch of salt, the paprika, and the Tabasco. Stir to combine and coat the chicken. (The chicken can be cooked right away or marinated overnight.) Fill the oil to ¾-inch (2cm) deep in a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
• For the mashed potatoes: Peel the potatoes, cut into large chunks, and add to a large pot of simmering salted water. Cook at a low simmer until tender, 35-45 minutes. (Do not boil.)
• Combine the cornmeal, flour, ½ tablespoon (9g) salt and a generous amount of black pepper in a strong paper bag. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade (reserving the marinade) and transfer them to the paper bag. Shake the bag to coat the chicken thoroughly.
• Whisk the eggs into the remaining marinade; return the floured chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat again. In batches, transfer the chicken pieces back to the paper bag and shake to coat with the flour mixture again.
• Starting with the biggest pieces, place the chicken in the hot oil and fry until cooked through and golden-brown, 18-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. (Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to fry in batches.) Adjust the temperature to make sure the heat is constant. Transfer cooked chicken pieces to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt. Serve the chicken hot or at room temperature. (To reheat cold chicken: Place on a tray and into an oven at 300 degrees F for about 20 minutes, to crisp up the skin.)
• Drain the potatoes, reserving 1 cup (240ml) of the cooking liquid in the pot. Place the potatoes back in the pot and add the cream and butter; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and mash with an old-fashioned potato masher to desired texture.
• Mound the mashed potatoes on a rimmed platter and serve with the fried chicken.

PIEROGIES STUFFED WITH GRUYERE AND HAM

Steps:

• For the mashed potatoes: In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, add the potatoes, garlic, sea salt and 1 quart cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Discard all but 1/2 cup water. Transfer the potatoes and garlic to a bowl. Add the cream and butter and use an immersion blender to create a mash; don't overblend. Season with kosher salt and pepper.
• For the pierogies: Mix 1 cup of the prepared mashed potatoes with the ham, Gruyere, 2 tablespoons butter and the chives. (Reserve any remaining mashed potatoes for another use.)
• Add the flour, egg, 1 tablespoon butter, sour cream, kosher salt and 1 cup cold water to a food processor. Mix the dough gently until it turns into a ball and let rest 1 hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
• Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thick. Cut out 3-inch rounds. Brush the dough with a bit of water, then add 2 teaspoons potato-ham mixture. Fold the dough in half and seal the edges with a fork. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
• Fill a high-sided saute pan with salted water and bring to a simmer. Add the pierogies and gently simmer the pierogies for 2 minutes, drain and dry. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter plus the olive oil to a large cast-iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the pierogies and cook until golden on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve with sour cream on the side.

JONATHAN WAXMAN'S MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a large saucepan with enough cold water to cover. Add garlic and season with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat; immediately reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, until potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.
• Drain potatoes, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Return potatoes and garlic to saucepan, along with butter, olive oil, and cooking liquid. Mash, using a potato masher, and season with salt and pepper; keep warm until serving.