Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Directions

1. 1
   Peel and cut the potatoes into pieces that are generally the same size.
2. 2
   Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add the potatoes.
3. 3
   Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are cooked through, 30 to 35 minutes.
4. 4
   (When they're cooked through a fork should easily slide into the potatoes with no resistance, and the potatoes should almost, but not totally, fall apart.)
5. 5
   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
6. 6
   Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a large colander.
7. 7
   Place them back into the dry pot and put the pot on the stove.
8. 8
   Mash the potatoes over low heat, allowing all the steam to escape before adding in all the other ingredients.
9. 9
   Turn off the heat and add the butter, cream cheese and about 1/2 cup of half-and-half.
10. 10
    Mash, mash, mash!
11. 11
    Next, add about 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
12. 12
    Stir well, and then taste and add more half-and-half, seasoning salt and pepper if needed.
13. 13
    Transfer the potatoes to a medium-sized baking dish.
14. 14
    Throw a few pats of butter over the top of the potatoes and place in the oven until the butter is melted and the potatoes are warmed through.