1-Prepare and boil potatoes: Peel and quarter the 4 pounds of potatoes to help them cook evenly. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold salted water; if you’re using the 3 cloves of garlic, add them now for extra taste. Bring the pot to a boil and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

2-Drain and mash: Drain the potatoes thoroughly to remove all the water, which is crucial for the right texture. Heat the 1 cup of milk or cream until it’s warm, as this helps it blend smoothly. Then, add the ⅓ cup of melted salted butter to the drained potatoes and start mashing them by hand for a fluffy result. Gradually pour in the warmed milk or cream while you continue mashing until you get your desired consistency.

3-Season and serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve the potatoes hot for the best flavor. Remember, mashing by hand avoids a gummy texture, so take your time with this step.