Good morning W.
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
My fav side is mashed taters + gravy. Comfort food for me.
Saw on America's Test Kitchen they said to steam the spuds, rather than boil them.
I just nuke'em, after washing, then squeeze 'em through the ricer half at a time.
I bought a potato ricer. This one, but @ $20
With the ricer, you can whip the taters with a spoon.
Elsewhise, use a masher or electric mixer.
Make sure you use plenty of soft butter and heavy whipping cream. Adjust to taste! Yum!
Mashed potatoes with a crater of butter, salt and pepper, and chunks of lutefisk blended in!