Champ (Ireland)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boiling potatoes , peeled (or not) and cut into 2-inch pieces
• ½ C half-and-half or plain soy milk
• 6 T unsalted butter or soy margarine
• 1 and 1/3 minced fresh chives or green onions (including green parts)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the potatoes in salted boiling water 12 to 15 minutes, or until ten- der. Drain and mash.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the half-and- half and 4 tablespoons of the butter. Heat until the butter is melted. Add the chives or green onions, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the chives or green onions are soft.
3. Add the potatoes, salt and pepper to the milk mixture and stir until blended.
4. To serve, spoon the champ into a deep bowl, make a well in the center and top with the remaining 2 table- spoons butter.
5. Garlic Champ: Substitute 1 cup finely chopped onions and 3table- spoons finely minced garlic sauteed in 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter for the chives or green onions. Add the onion mixture to the mashed potatoes, stir in the half-and-half and season with salt and pepper.