Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Directions

1. 1
   Put oven rack in middle position and preheat to 450F.
2. 2
   Cut off and discard top 1/2 inch of head of garlic, exposing cloves.
3. 3
   Rub garlic all over with oil and season with salt and pepper, then wrap in foil.
4. 4
   Roast garlic until tender when center of a clove is pierced with tip of a paring knife, about 40 minutes.
5. 5
   Peel potato and cut into 1-inch pieces, then cover with cold salted water in a small saucepan.
6. 6
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until potato is tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
7. 7
   Pour off water, then add half-and-half, butter, and 2 or 3 peeled roasted garlic cloves (reserve remaining roasted garlic for another use).
8. 8
   Mash with a potato masher to desired consistency and season with salt and pepper.