STOP boiling potatoes in water!

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of mashed potatoes. My family, especially the little ones, seem to have an insatiable appetite for them, requesting them with near-daily regularity. While I strive to incorporate a rainbow of vegetables into our meals, mashed potatoes find their way to our table at least once a week. It’s a confession I make with a smile – even my husband and I can’t resist this classic side dish.

One evening, while scrolling through recipe inspiration on TikTok and Instagram, I stumbled upon a suggestion from user Jourdyn (@jeauxp) that sent my eyebrows soaring: chicken stock in mashed potatoes? This unexpected twist on a familiar recipe piqued my curiosity, and I knew I had to explore its possibilities.

Jourdyn’s method took an unconventional approach right from the start – leaving the potato skins on. Her instructions involved washing, oiling, and then boiling the potatoes in a combination of chicken stock and water. Intrigued by this unique technique, I decided to deviate from my usual routine and give it a try.

Following Jourdyn’s guidance, I cooked the potatoes skin-on, then mashed them to creamy perfection with butter, a splash of the reserved broth, and a generous grinding of black pepper. To my utter delight, the potatoes had absorbed a subtle yet delightful umami flavor from the stock, and the skins added a delightful textural contrast to the smooth flesh.

This successful experiment ignited a spark of culinary exploration within me. The next time I made mashed potatoes, I took inspiration from another TikTok user and incorporated chopped chives and a dollop of sour cream, elevating both the taste and visual appeal of the dish.

This newfound love for culinary experimentation extended beyond mashed potatoes. Encouraged by the success on TikTok, I started incorporating other hacks into my cooking repertoire. From adding a touch of nutmeg to spinach for a surprising depth of flavor to using bread to speed up brown sugar reduction, these simple yet effective techniques have become valuable tools in my kitchen. Thanks to these newfound skills and a willingness to explore, I’ve not only expanded my culinary horizons but also honed my cooking abilities.