Mashed Potato & Gravy - Barefoot Contessa - Ina Garten

Name: Mashed Potato & Gravy - Barefoot Contessa - Ina Garten
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: European, German
Ingredients: 3 lbs white boiling potatoes, peeled and quartered; kosher salt; 1/4 lb unsalted butter; 1/2-1 cup half-and-half; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 1/4 lb unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade, heated; 1 tablespoon cognac or 1 tablespoon brandy; 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)