Step 1

Place the potatoes into a pot of cold water. There should be enough water to cover the potatoes by about 1 inch.

Step 2

Add 1 teaspoon of the salt to the water.

Step 3

Bring the potatoes to a boil.

Step 4

Lower the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

Step 5

Simmer the potatoes until cooked through and soft when pierced with a sharp knife, about 15 minutes.

Step 6

Drain the potatoes in a colander.

Step 7

Into the now empty pot used to boil the potatoes, add the butter and the milk and heat over low heat.

Step 8

Melt the butter into the milk, then turn off the heat.

Step 9

Return the potatoes to the pot and mash them into the butter mixture.

Step 10

Whip the mashed potatoes lightly with a wooden spoon.

Step 11

Season the potatoes to taste with the salt and the pepper.

Step 12

Serve.