Not Your Average Joe's Spinach Garlic Mashed Potatoes

For the potatoes
2 pounds potatoes
2 teaspoons pureed garlic
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup half-and-half
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon white pepper

For the spinach
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup (packed) spinach, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

To make the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a pot, with cold water to cover. Bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the garlic, butter and half-and-half in a saucepan. Warm over low heat, but do not let boil.

Place the drained potatoes in a bowl. With an electric mixer, whip the potatoes on low speed, gradually adding the heated half-and-half mixture. Whip until well incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste.

To add the spinach: Heat a saut� pan. When very hot, add the olive oil. Immediately add the spinach and garlic. Remove the pan from the stove, stir the spinach and garlic quickly and well. Season with salt and pepper. Stir this mixture into the mashed potatoes.

Source: From Culinary Director Terry Bell, Not Your Average Joe's