A celebrity chef has shared his top tips on how to make the perfect mashed potatoes, and says we've been doing it wrong all these years.
Potatoes are always an integral part of Christmas dinner, whether they're in the form of mash, roasties or croquettes. While the preparation of mashed potatoes might seem simple enough, getting the consistency wrong can put a real dampener on your meal.
Thankfully, Irish chef Andrew Rudd has revealed his foolproof guide on the perfect mashed potatoes for Christmas, or any other time of year you fancy them.
RSVP Live reports that it's all in the preparation, and apparently starting on Christmas Eve is the right way to go.
Andrew told the site: "You can prepare your mashed potatoes the day before Christmas as well.
"Cook your potatoes as normal, if you have a ricer make sure you use it. If not, a regular masher will work.
"A hand blender or a paddle are also great tools, my mam and dad used these for years.
"Get a small saucepan and add in cream, milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Put the potato on the hob and gradually add that mix with spatula."
A great portion of mashed potatoes is all about texture - and you'll know that they're all done when you've got the perfect consistency.
Andrew explained: "It should turn out beautiful and smooth. When you feel like you have got the right texture then you are ready to serve it.
"It is a great idea to cook the mash the day before because it is one less thing to do on the day."
If mashed potatoes for Christmas aren't traditional in your house, we've also put together a handy guide full of the best roast potato techniques to try.
From celebrity chef advice from Gordon Ramsey to viral Instagram hacks, these techniques for perfectly crispy and fluffy roast potatoes are certain to impress any dinner guests you might have this year.
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