Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 8 lb. Yukon gold potatoes (or Russet potatoes work too)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sea salt
• 4 bay leaves
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (or less if you prefer)
• 2 cups half and half cream or full 35% cream (or milk of you prefer)
• ¼ cup cream cheese
• 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter