Mashed potatoes reign supreme, especially in a roast dinner, yet they can often turn into a stodgy, lumpy affair if not mastered properly.

¾ to 1 cup hot milk or half-and-half. 6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces. 1 teaspoon salt or to taste. ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper or to taste ...

As butter heats in a saucepan, its water content begins to evaporate, resulting in a vigorous boil. After about five or so minutes of bubbling, a hush falls.

Browning the butter adds another layer of flavor to the standard bowl of mashed potatoes. Make little divots to pour the butter in before serving for an extra-decadent dish. Brown-butter mashed ...