Heat 1/2 cup olive oil with the grated zest of 1/2 orange, 1 tablespoon fennel seeds and 1/2 teaspoon pepper flakes. Drizzle over Classic Mash or Pepper-Swirl Mash.

Classic Mashed Potatoes Cover 2 pounds whole russet or Yukon gold potatoes with cold salted water; simmer 45 minutes. Drain, peel and mash with 1/2 to 1 stick butter. Add 1 cup hot milk, and salt and pepper; mash until smooth and fluffy.

Pepper-Swirl Mashed Potatoes Saute 2 chopped red bell peppers and 1 teaspoon thyme leaves in olive oil, covered, until tender. Puree; swirl into Classic Mash.

See all 50 easy mashed potato recipes

Photograph by Kana Okada