Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

- 7 to 8 small sized red potatoes, washed (peel if you would like!), cut into chunks
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup Half & Half or heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (or fresh parsley, chopped)

Instructions:

1. Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer until they are tender when pierced with a fork, usually about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot.
4. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a fork until they are broken down into smaller pieces.
5. Add the softened butter to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the potatoes.
6. Season the potatoes with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
7. Pour in the Half & Half. Stir until the potatoes start to become creamy.

8. Add the sour cream to the potatoes and continue to mash and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The sour cream adds a tangy richness to the mashed potatoes.
9. If the potatoes are too thick, you can add a bit more Half & Half to reach your desired consistency.
10. Sprinkle in the dried parsley flakes and mix them into the mashed potatoes. The parsley adds a touch of color and a hint of freshness.
11. Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic powder as desired.

12. Serve the creamy mashed potatoes warm, garnished with a sprinkle of additional parsley flakes if desired.