Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Basil Pesto

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Peel potatoes and dice them into 1-2 inch pieces.
2. Add your potatoes to a pot with enough water to cover them. Bring the water to boil and reduce to a simmer until potatoes are cooked, about 30 minutes. Test the doneness with a fork; it should slide easily into the potatoes.
3. Drain the potatoes and put them back into the pot.
4. Mash them with potato masher or a stiff whisk.
5. Add softened butter, cream cheese, warmed milk, black pepper and salt. Whip until creamy.

Preparing the Pesto

1. Combine basil, parmesan, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir in pesto to mashed potatoes.
3. Serve in bowl with additional pine nuts garnished on top.