mashed potato

[wallis1007]

The other day I was told by the other half that I was boiling the spuds for mash wrongly!!!!!! Good grief. I cut a few spuds and put them in boiling water. Difficult eh!! Anyway, what I should have done is put the the cut up spuds in cold water and then boiled them. Since then the subject has got as far the pub that the other half works in. The chef told me that she was right but I think he is winding me up ( especially since I asked him if he learnt to cook at Mcdonalds ) Anyway if there are any chefs/cooks out there that can clear this up it would be appreciated. I find it hard to believe that it makes any difference at all. But if it doesplease explain.

[society]

potatoes should be started in cold water rather than in hot water. this allows for a more even cooking and heat penetration from outside to inside during cooking time. potatoes are never COOLED in cold water, unlike most vegetables. this would make them soggy.

[sherrardk]

I was taught in Home Economics that everything that grows underground goes into cold water and is brought to the boil and everything that is grown above ground goes into boiling water.

[petal54]

agree there Society,i like to add cheese

[society]

i disagree that everything which grows above ground should be started in boiling water. corn on the cob should never be started in boiling water - same as potatoes.

[sherrardk]

Thsi is just what I was told and what I stick to (we had corn on the cob for tea and Birds Eye said to put it into boiling water).

[tamborine]

No difference either way.

Those on a starch free diet soak pots overnight (to remove starch) and boil in fresh water

[Nautilus]

I've never had a problem with starting them in boiling water.......cooked in ten minutes....tipped into colander and left to steam out for a few minutes, then mashed with butter and half a carton of fresh cream!

[brenda]

Agree with Nautilus but for me mashed with horseradish sauce-- yummy.

[alfiesgirl]

Veggies that grow underground should be cooked with the lid of the pot on and those that grow above ground should be cooked without the lid...i don't think the hot/cold water thing matters!

[ELVIS68]

My motto is " I`m cooking so fook off" nothing worse than some know it all coming into the kitchen whilst you are cooking and telling you what to do

Thank Fook for Ramsey!!!

[ummmm]

Thank Fook for Ramsey!!!

I agree....I'm having Ramsey lobster and king scallops on Friday...can't wait :-)

[Joanelle123]

if 2 many pots peeled, u can always put the surplass uncooked in a basin of cold water in fridge for next day. (make sure cold water completely covers them or bits not in water will go black). then change for fresh water next day 2 boil. this way all the starch will go with the change of water, too.