Are you the sort of person who insists that Thanksgiving mashed potatoes can only be served straight up buttery, or are you willing to allow room for a little creative adulteration in the name of bigger, bolder flavor? Stick with this version if you think mashed potatoes with anything beyond the basics (and a few lumps) is just a distraction. 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature Set the pot over medium heat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, shaking the pan now and again, to cook off excess moisture. Once the potatoes are mashed to your liking, stir in the butter and 1 cup of the warmed half-and-half. Nutrition information per serving: 260 calories; 70 calories from fat (27 percent of total calories); 8 g fat (4.5 g saturated;