Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes

Since I've been on a "Dairy Free Diet" my potato consumption has taken a sharp fall, until now! I must admit I was a bit discouraged by other blogs use of a hard to find soy "butter" to make their potatoes.

Ingredients:
4 large red potatoes (peeled if desired) cut into 1/2" to 1" chunks

cooled grease from 4+ slices of thick bacon

1/4 - 1/2 cup Almond milk, unflavored 

salt to taste

white pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Boil potatoes until just soft. Drain and rinse with cold water. Allow to fully cool. 

2. Mash potatoes with potato masher or fork. 

3. Mix in bacon grease and slowly add almond milk until smooth.

4. Season appropriately with salt and pepper and additional ingredients as fit.

5. Heat slowly while mixing to get back warmth.

Overview:
First I must confess I am not a mashed potato pro, however these turned out surprisingly well. The idea of using bacon grease occurred to me as a possible "solid fat" alternative to butter, however this automatically makes this recipe useless for those seeking a vegetarian version. The bacon grease helps with the flavor and the almond milk goes unnoticed. Success? I think so. 

Additional ideas: 

1. Adding additional herbs such as dill or garlic will also help in making your dairy free potatoes awesome.

2. The bacon in which you got the bacon grease...add it! 

Potato Soup

1 standard can chicken broth
2 medium red potatoes
2 cups of fresh broccoli florets
2 cups shredded Gouda
2 cups milk
2 Tablespoons of flour
2 cups shredded escarole

Dice the potatoes and boil in the chicken broth for about 10 minutes. After the potatoes are soft, smash in pot. Add 2 cups of milk and broccoli. Bring to a simmer, however be careful to avoid over-boiling. While simmering toss the Gouda with the flour. After the soup has simmered 5-10 minutes add the Gouda/flour mix slowly while stirring. After all the Gouda is added, add the escarole. Simmer for 5-10 minutes more. Serve.

Bacon can be added to this recipe, likely with great results. Roughly a half pound should work.