Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17)

Marzee's Smashed Taters

3 pounds red potatoes, unpeeled
1 T. plus 2 t. kosher salt
1½ cups half-and-half
¼ pound butter
½ cup sour cream
½ t. freshly ground black pepper

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Place the potatoes and 1 T. of salt in a 4-quart saucepan with cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer covered for 25 to 35 minutes, until the potatoes are completely tender. Drain. In a small saucepan, heat the half-and-half and butter. Put the potatoes into a large bowl and mix them for a few seconds on low speed with a hand mixer to break them up. Slowly add ¾ of the hot cream and butter to the potatoes, mixing on the lowest speed (the last quarter of the cream and butter should be folded in by hand). Fold in the sour cream and remaining salt and pepper. serve immediately. If the potatoes are too thick, add more hot cream and butter. Serves 6-8.

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