4 1/2 lb. (2.25 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 1/2 cups (12 fl. oz./375 ml) heavy cream

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 shallot, thinly sliced

1 large fresh thyme sprig

1 large fresh rosemary sprig

1 bay leaf

1 tsp. peppercorns

8 Tbs. (1 stick) (4 oz./125 g) unsalted butter, diced

2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup (1/2 oz./15 g) chopped fresh chives

Put the potatoes in a large pot, add water to cover by 3 inches (7.5 cm) and generously salt the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes. Drain well in a colander.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the cream, garlic, shallot, thyme sprig, rosemary sprig, bay leaf and peppercorns. Set over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Be careful it doesn't boil over!!!

Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the cream is reduced to about 1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml), 10 to 12 minutes. Strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve and keep warm.

Working in batches, pass the potatoes through a ricer into a large bowl. Add the butter and 2 t salt and then gradually pour in the cream, stirring constantly until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Stir in the chives and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper. Serve immediately. Serves 8 to 10.