Cod with Cracker Topping, Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Green Beans

Ingredients

• 2 lb Russet Potatoes (Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 tbsp Salt (For boiling water)
• 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Cut into pieces, at room temperature)
• 0.5 cup Whole Milk (Warmed)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
• 1 tbsp Fresh Chives (Finely chopped, for garnish (optional))

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the Potatoes

   • Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot or Dutch oven.
   • Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes by at least 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
   • Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer steadily.
   • Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and a fork pierces them with no resistance.
2. 2

   Drain and Dry the Potatoes

   • Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander, shaking to remove excess water.
   • Return the empty pot to the stove over low heat. Add the drained potatoes back to the pot.
   • Let the potatoes sit in the warm pot for 1-2 minutes, shaking occasionally, to evaporate any remaining moisture. This is a crucial step for fluffy, not watery, mashed potatoes.
3. 3

   Mash the Potatoes

   • Remove the pot from the heat.
   • Mash the potatoes until they are completely broken down. For the smoothest, fluffiest texture, pass the potatoes through a ricer or food mill. A hand masher also works well for a more rustic texture.
4. 4

   Incorporate Butter and Milk

   • Add the room temperature butter pieces to the hot mashed potatoes and use a spatula to gently fold them in until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
   • Slowly pour in the warm milk while continuing to fold gently. Stop when the potatoes reach your desired creamy consistency. Avoid overmixing.
5. 5

   Season and Serve

   • Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
   • Stir gently, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
   • Transfer to a warm serving bowl, garnish with fresh chives if desired, and serve immediately.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Green Beans (Fresh, ends trimmed)
• 2 cup Water (For steaming, will not be consumed)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Extra virgin recommended)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Green Beans

   • Rinse the green beans thoroughly under cold running water.
   • Pat them dry with a paper towel.
   • Snap or trim the tough stem ends off each bean.
2. 2

   Set Up the Steamer

   • Pour about 1-2 inches of water into a large pot or saucepan.
   • Place a steamer basket inside, ensuring the water level is below the bottom of the basket.
   • Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3. 3

   Steam the Green Beans

   • Carefully place the trimmed green beans into the steamer basket, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
   • Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to medium.
   • Steam for 5-7 minutes. The beans are done when they are bright green and crisp-tender (easily pierced with a fork but still have a slight bite).
4. 4

   Season and Serve

   • Turn off the heat and carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot.
   • Transfer the hot green beans to a serving bowl.
   • Immediately drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
   • Toss gently to coat evenly and serve warm.