Race for Life by tigergill

When I was a child I was a really fussy eater - fussier than Bonzo and the Wrigglebottom put together. I didn't like potatoes much and once went a whole year without eating them.  Well I was a teenager...The thing I hated most was my mum's mashed potatoes.  They were tasteless and full of lumps.  A few years ago I discovered the secret to great mashed potato and as I'm about to make some  to go with sausage casserole, I'll let you in on it.

1)  Use the right potatoes. I always use Maris Piper but any floury potato would work almost as well.

2)  Peel them and cut them small then boil in water for about 20 minutes or until they are really soft.

3)  Drain and give a bit of a shake to get rid of as much water as possible.

4)  Use a potato ricer to mash them.  This is the real secret as it means you get no lumps.

5)  Add a good knob of butter, salt and white or black pepper plus a dollop of Dijon mustard.

6)  Grate about a handful of strong cheddar into the potato.

7)  Stir hard with a wooden spoon until smooth.

That's all there is to it. Absolutely foolproof.  Best go and boil the spuds now...

The alarm that I forgot to turn off woke me at 7.  Was raining cats & dogs so decided not the morning for a run.  Am not quite a fair weather runner but there are still limits!  Nevertheless have done loads of exercise.  Saumarez park with Rosie, my mum and some friends; walk out to Icart round the cliffs and then some heavy gardening ready for scaffolding on Friday.  Still lots to do this weekend so at least if I get up early tomorrow and go for a run that will give me plenty of time to do everything else I need to do.