Cut your potatoes into large pieces. You can choose to peel them or leave the skins on if you'd like.
Toss your potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water to about 1 inch above the potatoes.
Add the garlic and 1 tablespoon of sea salt to the pot and heat on high until water boils.
Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
While potatoes are boiling, heat butter, half and half, and an extra 2 teaspoons of sea salt in the microwave until butter is melted WITHOUT boiling. Set the mixture aside.
Drain the water, and then immediately return the potatoes to the pot over low heat.
Let the potatoes cook on the hot burner for about 1 minute to steam off some of the remaining water in the potatoes.
Remove your pot from the stove to a flat surface.
Mash your potatoes with a potato masher to your preferred consistency.
Pour half the butter mixture over the potatoes and fold in with a wooden spoon. Repeat with the remaining butter mixture.
Season to taste with extra salt, black pepper, chives, green onions etc. if you'd like.