Irish Mashed Potatoes

Directions

1. 1
   Insert the thyme sprigs in a cheesecloth bag.
2. 2
   Combine milk, garlic and thyme in a pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. 3
   Reduce heat to low and simmer gently until garlic is soft.
4. 4
   8 to 10 minutes Throw away Thyme.
5. 5
   Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
6. 6
   Return to pan and stir in the scallions.
7. 7
   Set aside, covered.
8. 8
   Large pot, bring I inch salted water to boil.
9. 9
   ADD Cabbage, cover and cook until tender.
10. 10
    8 to 10 minutes; drain well (sometimes I steam the cabbage).
11. 11
    Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold salted water.
12. 12
    Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to medium and cook, until tender.
13. 13
    Drain potatoes, and return to pan.
14. 14
    Mash with a potato masher, Or any instrument you have.
15. 15
    hands, egg beater--fists--whatever, best if using a masher though.
16. 16
    Gradually add sour cream, and mash until smooth.
17. 17
    Watch the consistency, You do not want a mixture that looks like soup.
18. 18
    So add slowly.
19. 19
    Stir in cabbage and season with the salt and pepper.
20. 20
    Add the grated cheese lastly.
21. 21
    Meat lovers may add crisp bacon when mixing.
22. 22
    I have put Italian sausage(fried and cut up into very small pieces) into this dish.
23. 23
    Any type of sausage is good--even Brats.
24. 24
    May garnish with Italian parsley.
25. 25
    THIS REALLY IS TO DIE FOR.
26. 26
    I usually put in a bowl, and find a pan, where the bowl sits on top, covered.
27. 27
    Add a bit of water to pan under low heat and it keeps the potatoes hot until serving time.
28. 28
    Must stir occasionally.
29. 29
    This also helps to melt the cheese.
30. 30
    This trick may be done with other foods.
31. 31
    NOTE:.
32. 32
    Boniato potatoes are found in an Asian Market.
33. 33
    They are a mix between Yukon Gold and a Sweet Potato.
34. 34
    They are just simply to delicious.
35. 35
    So I rarely buy another potato since these are the best.
36. 36
    The Boniato peels like a regular potato.
37. 37
    Just has a harder Brown skin.
38. 38
    YOU MUST TAKE OUT THE THIN VEIN THAT RUNS DOWN THE CENTER::.
39. 39
    Quarter them lengthwise and take out the very thin vein that runs down the center.
40. 40
    It is a bit bitter.
41. 41
    Then chop as a regular potato.