Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Figs and Parmesan

Serves 8

7 dried figs

10 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 tablespoons butter

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place figs in a bowl and cover with boiling water ladled from the pot. Soak for about 10 minutes.

2. Place potatoes in the pot. Boil them until they're fall-apart tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and place in a serving bowl. Remove figs from soaking water, reserving soaking water. Chop figs and add to the potatoes with ¼ cup soaking liquid, the butter, olive oil, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Mash everything with a fork or potato masher until it's well combined but still a little lumpy (home style).

From "Real Life Entertaining: Easy Recipes and Unconventional Wisdom" by Jennifer Rubell