MASHED POTATOES FOR 50 RECIPES

Steps:

• In a 5-quart saucepan, combine the potatoes, 2 tablespoons butter, the garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain in a colander and remove the garlic cloves. Return the potatoes to the pan and, using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. 
• Add the mascarpone, Parmesan, chicken broth, the remaining 4 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper to the potatoes. Stir over low heat until smooth and warmed through. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and serve.

Steps:

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Put them in a large saucepan, add 2 tablespoons salt, and cover potatoes with water by 1 inch.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to medium and let cook until piercing with a fork yields no resistance, about 15 minutes.
• While the potatoes cook, put the olive oil and shallots in a large skillet, and set up a paper towel-lined plate next to the stove. Heat the shallots over medium-high. When they start to bubble, reduce the heat to medium and cook until golden brown, 5 to 9 minutes. (Lower the heat if they are cooking too quickly). Use a slotted spoon to transfer to the paper towels, and season with salt. Reserve the oil.
• Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes over low heat using a potato masher or wooden spoon until completely mashed. Add the reserved potato water 1 tablespoon at a time, vigorously stirring until the potatoes are smooth and come together. (You will use about 1/2 cup.) Taste, season with salt, then stir in 1/4 cup of the reserved oil. Serve topped with crispy shallots, black pepper and more of the oil, if desired.