Comfort Food: Mashed Potatoes

We’re sure you’d agree that a bowlful of mashed potatoes is the quintessential comfort side dish. Whether it’s drenched in gravy or topped with a pool of melted butter, there is no better partner to a thick slice of meatloaf or pot roast. Our pick for best “cheapie” mash goes to Calamity Jane’s slightly sweet, fluffy cauliflower-potato mash ($2.95) with gravy. For a more high-end splurge, check out Lark’s equally tasty pommes de terre Robuchon ($8). Here, the potatoes are sieved for ultimate smoothness, then stirred with hot milk and plenty of butter in homage to Joël Robuchon, the famous French chef who perfected the technique for this most exquisite of mashes.