With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, it's time to celebrate all things Irish, including one of Ireland’s most beloved culinary treasures: mashed potatoes. Here at Neighborhood Farmers Market, we're embracing the spirit of the season by highlighting the humble spud in all its comforting glory. Mashed potatoes are perfect for adding a touch of Irish magic to your table this St. Patrick's Day and beyond – and are available at your favorite farmers markets! 

You can make mashed potatoes into “Irish mashed potatoes,” also known as "champ" or "poundie," They are similar to classic mashed potatoes (recipe below) but often incorporate chopped green onions or scallions for added flavor. The result is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, especially traditional Irish stews or corned beef and cabbage. 

Classic Mashed Potatoes 

Ingredients: 

2 pounds potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well) 
4 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed 
1/2 to 3/4 cup milk or cream 
Salt to taste 
Pepper to taste (optional) 
Chopped fresh herbs (optional, for garnish and could also include chopped green onions or scallions) 

Instructions: 

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch. 

2. Boil potatoes by placing the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. 

3. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. 

4. Drain potatoes once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. 

5. Add the cubed butter to the pot with the hot potatoes. 

6. Mash the potatoes and butter together using a potato masher until the butter is melted and well incorporated. 

7. Gradually add the milk or cream to the mashed potatoes, starting with 1/2 cup. 

8. Mash and stir the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency, adding more milk or cream as needed. 

9. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. 

10. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives (optional). 

11. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and serve hot. 

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding roasted garlic, cheese, sour cream, or other ingredients to suit your taste preferences. This recipe can be made vegan by using vegan butter and non-dairy milk.