Bunny Mashed Potato Board

1. Peel potatoes and cut them into uniform 2-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Add diced potatoes to a bowl of cold water and let them sit for a few minutes—you should see starch sink to the bottom of the bowl. Then rinse them 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
3. Transfer your potatoes to a large stockpot and add enough cold water to cover them by about 1-2 inches. Over high heat, bring your pot to boil and then reduce to a simmer to cook the potatoes, about 18-25 minutes, until they’re completely fork-tender and offer no resistance when pierced with a knife.
4. Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander and allow them to sit for 1-2 minutes to release steam.
5. Use a ricer or food mill to mash the potatoes. This allows for the smoothest mash, which makes piping easier, but you can also use a masher or whisk to mash them directly in the pot. Try to get as many lumps out as possible to avoid clogging the piping bag.
6. Warm milk and butter in a separate pot, and then gradually fold them into the potatoes with a rubber spatula.
7. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper and then allow them to cool slightly.
8. Once cool, spread a base layer of mashed potatoes onto your board to create the shape of your bunny. Start with one large circle for the body, a smaller circle above that for the head, two ovals off the smaller circle for the ears, and two larger ovals at the base of the large circle for the feet.
9. Transfer the remaining mashed potatoes to a piping bag fitted with a star decorating tip.
10. Pipe stars of mashed potatoes over the bunny shape to mimic tufts of hair.
11. Using cookie cutters and a pairing knife, cut and place your ham slices for the ears, pads of the feet, and belly.
12. Create a face with black olive slivers for eyes, a halved radish for a nose, a sliced red bell pepper for a mouth, white cheddar squares for teeth, and roasted asparagus for whiskers.
13. Fill in the remainder of the board with your choice of toppings and sides that pair well with mashed potatoes. Here we’re showing a build-your-own ham and cheese sandwich board, which will be a delicious accompaniment to the mashed potatoes and additional veggies. Have fun and make it your own!

*Nutrition information is for mashed potatoes only