Ingredients

• 2 cups water, divided
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 small lemon, halved and juiced, halves reserved
• 1 large apple (such as Honey Crisp), peeled and chopped
• 4 large baking potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 6 cups water
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Boil 2 cups water, brown sugar, lemon juice, juiced lemon halves, and apple together in a pot over medium-high heat until apples are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Discard spent lemon halves; drain and keep apples warm.
2. Boil potatoes with 6 cups water in a large pot over medium-high heat until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain.
3. Mash potatoes and apples together with a ricer or hand mixer.
4. Stir butter, heavy whipping cream, salt, and ground black pepper into mashed potatoes and apples. If desired, keep warm in a 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for up to 20 minutes.