About the Blog - Fragments of a Life

This blog will contain things I have written; some of my best photos; and a selection of my favourite recipes. I am truly fortunate to have traveled to and worked in fascinating places, met remarkable people, and seen many of the wonders of planet earth. Friends have urged me to write about these experiences and to publish my photographs. Maybe, one day, these will come together into a book. For now, they will be presented as fragments of a life since I am not yet prepared to "retire" and write. As well, for many years, I have been promising to publish my "cookbook". As I cannot get my act together to edit that all at once, I will start publishing those recipes one by one.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Mashed Potatoes with Spinach and Gruyère



A Swiss dish that was supposed affordable for students and interns who came to work at the UN on a minimal stipend. Of course, in Canada, the cost of Gruyère is a bit stiff.  





2 pounds of fresh baby spinach
4 pounds white-skinned potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
½ cup butter
1 ¼ cups (or more) of warm whole milk
3 cups (about 12 ounces) grated Gruyère cheese
Salt and pepper

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the baby spinach and cook for one minute.
  • Drain well, squeezing out as much water as possible. Set spinach aside.
  • Cook potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until very tender.
  • Drain well.
  • Return to the pot and mash potatoes until almost smooth.
  • Set pot over very low heat.
  • Add butter and stir until melted.
  • Gradually add the milk, mashing until the potatoes are completely smooth.
  • Add cheese and reserved spinach and stir until cheese melts.
  • Thin with more milk if desired.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer potatoes to a bowl to serve.

Note: You can substitute sour cream or yoghurt for butter and milk. As well, if you do not have Gruyère, you can add another cheese – for example, I have used bacon flavoured creamy cheese.

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