Potato Ghosts

Name: Potato Ghosts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 4 lbs large boiling potatoes (preferably white-fleshed); 3/8 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 1 1/4 cups whole milk; 3 large egg yolks; nigella seeds (to garnish, sometimes mislabeled "black onion seeds" or use black sesame seeds)

Submitted by Annacia

"You and your guests will be utterly charmed when you see how easily mashed potatoes can be transformed into a gaggle of ghosts. Simply form them into pointy mounds and then personify—no, make that "ghostify"—them with seed "eyes." Don't be surprised if these become a new family must-have for Halloweens to come. Found on Epicurious."

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Ready In:: 2hrs 15mins
Ingredients:: 5
Serves:: 8

ingredients

4 lbs large boiling potatoes (preferably white-fleshed)
³⁄₈ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 ¹⁄₄ cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks
nigella seeds (to garnish, sometimes mislabeled "black onion seeds" or use black sesame seeds)

directions

Peel and quarter potatoes, then cover with water in a 4-quart pot and season well with salt. Simmer, partially covered, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
While potatoes are simmering, heat butter and milk in a small saucepan until butter is melted. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle.
Drain potatoes and force through ricer into a large bowl (or mixer bowl if using stand mixer). Beat in milk mixture, yolks, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper with an electric mixer at low speed until combined.
Spread about one-third of potatoes in a buttered 1 1/2-quart shallow ovenproof dish. Transfer remaining potatoes to pastry bag. Pipe potatoes close together into 2 1/2- to 3-inch-high pointed mounds to form "'ghosts" and garnish each mound with 2 seeds for "eyes.".
Bake until tips of ghosts are golden and potatoes are firm, 20 to 25 minutes.
Cooks' Note: Potatoes can be piped into dish 1 day ahead and chilled, loosely covered with plastic wrap.