Mashed Potatoes with Garlic, Sage & Goat Cheese

Let's be honest, mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They're the fluffy, buttery hug on a plate that we all crave, especially as the weather gets cooler. But sometimes, the classic version, as perfect as it is, begs for a little upgrade. That's exactly what I was thinking last Sunday. I had some beautiful sage in the garden and a log of creamy goat cheese in the fridge, and a mission was born: to create a mash that was a little more sophisticated, but just as soul-warming.

The Magic of Goat Cheese

The real star of this show is the goat cheese. Swapping out the usual heavy cream and butter for a generous amount of soft goat cheese (I used Chavrie) does something incredible. It doesn't just add creaminess; it introduces a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the potatoes. It makes the whole dish feel lighter and more complex, without losing any of that essential mashed potato comfort.

A Symphony of Flavors

This isn't a one-note side dish. The combination of ingredients creates a whole experience. Here’s what to expect when you take a bite:

• Creamy & Tangy: The luxurious, smooth texture from the whipped potatoes and goat cheese, followed by that delightful sharp kick.
• Savory & Aromatic: The garlic, softened by being mashed in warm, infuses every single forkful with its savory goodness.
• Earthy & Warm: The fried sage isn't just a garnish—it adds little crispy bursts of warm, earthy flavor that are just incredible.

Putting It All Together

The process is just as simple as making regular mash, I promise. While your potatoes are boiling, gently fry a handful of sage leaves in a little olive oil until they're crisp. Set those aside. Then, follow these easy steps:

1. In a medium saucepan cook the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan.
3. While still warm, add the olive oil, garlic and Chavrie Goat Cheese.
4. Whip the potatoes with hand held mixers until the ingredients are blended and the desired consistency is obtained.
5. Season with salt and black pepper.

The Final Touch

Once your potatoes are whipped into a cloud of tangy, garlicky goodness, transfer them to a serving bowl. Crumble those crispy sage leaves right over the top, letting some fall into the potatoes and leaving some on top for a gorgeous presentation. This dish is perfect alongside a simple roast chicken or pork chop, but honestly, it's robust enough to be the main event. Give it a try—it might just become your new holiday staple!