The Problem
Butter and half-and-half make for mashed potatoes that are rich tasting but not terribly exciting. Giving flavor second-tier status is fine if the potatoes are going to be smothered with gravy, but with just a bit of help they can stand proudly on their own.
The Goal
Jazz up the flavor of boring mashed potatoes.
The Solution
Adding too many ingredients served only to muddy the flavor of the potatoes. Tasters preferred simple pairings of contrasting but complementary flavors.