Smashed Potatoes

This was a great recipe for potatoes when there will be not gravy.  They are so easy and taste great! No potatoes to peel! This would be enough for 6-8 servings.  I doubled it for 8 adults and 4 kids and there for some leftovers, but not too much.

2# red potatoes (try for a uniform size so they cook evenly)

Salt for water

1-2 bay leaves

4 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted

4 oz. cream cheese at room temp.

3 Tablespoons chopped chives

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon powdered garlic

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

 SAVED WATER FROM COOKING POTATOES  (I capitalized this because I always forget to save it!)

Boil the potatoes and return them to the pot to dry out a bit.  Them push on the potatoes to break the top of each.  Don't mash them!  Them add the butter/cheese mixture and mix with the potatoes.  Add potato water to right consistency.  You want it a little thinner then the finished desired consistency because it will thicken as it sits. You will get some mashed creamy affect, but there will still be larger pieces of potatoes too.  Don't over mix!  I mixed the cream cheese, butter, chives, and spices the day before and kept it in the fridge.  Them I heated it in the microwave to add it warm to the potatoes.  This made it so easy on the day of a big meal!