Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Remove outermost papery leaves from garlic but do not break bulbs apart or remove thin paper sheath covering each clove.

Step 3: Rub garlic bulbs with olive oil and wrap together with thyme sprigs in a loose aluminum foil packet.

Step 4: Place packet in a baking dish and roast until garlic is very tender.

Step 5: When cool enough to handle, peel garlic and squeeze soft cloves into a bowl.

Step 6: Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover by 1 inch with cold salted water.

Step 7: Bring to a boil over moderately high heat.

Step 8: Cover and cook until potatoes are tender.

Step 9: Drain.

Step 10: Mash potatoes with a potato masher and return to a clean saucepan; stir in cream, butter, and garlic cloves, and beat well.

Step 11: Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 12: Transfer to a warm bowl and garnish with minced chervil.