How to make Mashed Potatoes

There are many different mashed potatoes recipes. It is a very simple side dish, but can be very plain. There are many extra ingredients you can add to spice up the potatoes.



Skins or NO skins?

First you have to decide whether you want potato skins in them. If you do, then bake or boil the potatoes until soft. If not then you have to peel the potatoes first.







Whipped or Mashed?

You can mash the potatoes many different ways. There are many electronic mixers now a days, and metal potato mashers. But in a new kitchen, for college students and other people without certain tools you can simply use a drinking cup. (Turn the cup over and put your hand in it.)

If you do have an electronic mixer you can have whipped potatoes which are more airy and light.



Lumps or NO lumps?

Some people like their potatoes with lumps, others like the smooth and creamy, the more you mash the creamier the potatoes will get.

Ingredients:  This will make a simple mashed potato

Butter

Salt

Milk

*Add all three ingredients as you are mashing.

Optional Ingredients: The first four just add while mashing

·         Chives

·         Bacon

·         Garlic

·         Salsa

·         Bake with Cheddar cheese

·         Top with Sour Cream

My Personal Favorites!

1.       Cheesy Bacon Potatoes

2.       Chive Potatoes topped with sour cream

3.       South Western Potatoes ( with corn,  salsa and topped with sour cream)

4.       Garlic Potatoes