Mashed Turnips and Potatoes with Horseradish Bread Crumbs

Preparation Peel potatoes and turnips, then cut into 2-inch pieces. Cover potatoes, turnips, and 2 teaspoons salt by 2 inches cold water in a 6-quart pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, 15 to 18 minutes. While vegetables cook, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a 10-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron), then toast bread crumbs with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add horseradish and toss until combined well, then transfer to a small bowl. Drain vegetables in a colander, then return to pot and mash. Stir in milk, remaining 4 tablespoons butter, and scallion greens over low heat until combined well and heated through. Season with salt and pepper, then serve topped with bread crumbs. Cooks' notes:·Bread crumbs, without horseradish, can be made 1 day ahead and cooled, then kept in a sealed plastic bag. Reheat in a skillet, then toss with horseradish. ·Mashed potatoes and turnips, without scallions and bread crumbs, can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, uncovered, until completely cooled, then covered. Reheat in a large metal bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally.

Preparation Peel potatoes and turnips, then cut into 2-inch pieces. Cover potatoes, turnips, and 2 teaspoons salt by 2 inches cold water in a 6-quart pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, 15 to 18 minutes. While vegetables cook, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a 10-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron), then toast bread crumbs with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add horseradish and toss until combined well, then transfer to a small bowl. Drain vegetables in a colander, then return to pot and mash. Stir in milk, remaining 4 tablespoons butter, and scallion greens over low heat until combined well and heated through. Season with salt and pepper, then serve topped with bread crumbs. Cooks' notes:·Bread crumbs, without horseradish, can be made 1 day ahead and cooled, then kept in a sealed plastic bag. Reheat in a skillet, then toss with horseradish. ·Mashed potatoes and turnips, without scallions and bread crumbs, can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, uncovered, until completely cooled, then covered. Reheat in a large metal bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally.