Potato Basil Puree

This recipe is from the Costco Connection Magazine--just thought it sounded fun and seeing that our company was Uncle Kevin and Auntie Kathleen who are both originally from Ireland -what could be better than green potatoes!!

2 cups fresh basil leaves lightly packed
2 lbs yukon gold or white boiling potatoes
1 cup half and half (we use fat free)
3/4 c freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper

 First get a pot of boiling water going and a bowl of ice water -add the basil leaves to boiling water for 15 secs and then quickly remove with slotted spoon and plunge to ice water which sets the bright green color. drain and they will look like this...

 Meanwhile peel your potatoes (I don't I always do them with skins on for nutrition --OK OK caught me for laziness!!) Cut them into quarters and place into the same pot of boiling water as the basil was in -cook til soft 20-25 minutes- Drain well and mash.

While potatoes are cooking in a small saucepan heat your half and half and parmesan cheese until; cream simmers- add the basil and puree mixture-- I used a hand held blender

 Love the handheld blender--so many uses!!!

 ok here are the drained potatoes lights mashed

 Add in your hot basil cream mixture

 Add salt and pepper and stir gently folding-- serve with extra parmesan cheese