Creamy mashed potatoes with caramelized onions

Instructions

• Cut cream cheese into small cubes. Let stand at room temperature while preparing other ingredients. Slice onions in half lengthwise. Place cut side down on a cutting board and thinly slice. Melt butter in a large frying pan set over medium heat. Add onions. Sprinkle with sugar and 1 tsp (5 mL) salt. Cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until onions have taken on a caramel colour. This will take 30 to 40 minutes. Volume decreases during cooking.

• While onions are cooking, peel and cut potatoes in half. Place in a large saucepan or pasta pot. Cover with water. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Then reduce heat to medium and boil gently, partially covered, until potatoes are fork-tender, 25 to 30 minutes. A few minutes before potatoes are done, pour milk into a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium until hot, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in cream cheese until evenly mixed.

• When potatoes are cooked, drain well. Mash potatoes in saucepan using a potato masher or put through a ricer, then return to saucepan. Stir milk mixture and remaining tsp (5 mL) salt and pepper into potatoes. Spoon potatoes into a large serving bowl and top with onions or serve onions on the side in a small bowl.