Irish Mashed Potatoes - thyme

Method

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