There are several ways to incorporate garlic into mashed potatoes. In this version, you boil garlic cloves with the potatoes. Other methods are adding minced raw garlic, garlic sautéed in butter, or roasted garlic to the finished mashed potatoes.

1. Peel potatoes and cut them into 2-inch uniform pieces. Put potato pieces and garlic cloves in a pot with 1 teaspoon of salt and cold water to cover.

2. Turn heat to medium high and bring potatoes, garlic, and water to a boil. Turn down heat to simmer and cook until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.

3. Drain potatoes in a colander and let the steam dissipate for 5 minutes. The steam evaporates the excess water, which allows the potatoes to dry out and makes them fluffier when mashed.

4. Put cooked potatoes and garlic in a bowl and mash with a potato masher or an electric mixer.

5. Add butter and milk, and mix to a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper.