help a terrible cook out...how do I make mash potatoes

wed2506 · January 2012

I need an idiot proof recipe please! Each tikme I have done it, the potatoes have been under cooked or over cooked. help please!

melbride2005 · January 2012

I have a few in my blog that you can check out.

Just test the potatoes with a fork to ensure they're done, and then when you're mashing and mixing the ingredients, the key is not to overmix (or else they get gummy)

Andrea0429 · January 2012

I love getting the bag of steamers in the frozen section. It'll tell you right on the bag how long to microwave them for. Saves on peeling the skin off, they're great!

bosha711 · January 2012

I peel & half the potatoes & boil till soft.

Then drain water & mash a little bit

add milk, butter, salt & continue to mash to desired taste & consistency

collrob2101 · January 2012

I use half and half instead on milk...and keep tasting to see if it needs more butter, salt, etc.

oct11bride03 · January 2012

I can't imagine the potatoes being overcooked. I usually boil them until I remember to drain them...sometimes 15 minutes sometimes 30 or more. The key is to drain them well and add butter and plenty of salt. I usually use milk but some people like half and half for a richer flavor.

debfife · January 2012

I never peel them!

StephNJohn2008 · January 2012

When I mash them I put them back in the pot and turn the heat on low. Then I mash in the butter/milk/salt/etc. I like leaving them over the low heat while I mash- I find it helps make them creamier and some of the excess water from the potatoes gets cooked off.

BeachBaby07 · January 2012

StephNJohn2008:
When I mash them I put them back in the pot and turn the heat on low. Then I mash in the butter/milk/salt/etc. I like leaving them over the low heat while I mash- I find it helps make them creamier and some of the excess water from the potatoes gets cooked off.

this is what I used to do, putting them in the pot helps get the water out.

Now I buy the Alexa Brand mashed potatoes in a bag. They come out perfect every time, I love the flavor and I dont have to peel, boil, mash. The Ore Ida Steam and Mash are great too

wed2506 · January 2012

thank you ladies!!!!!

erosa · January 2012

lazy mans recipe: pop in the microwave, press "potato"... when done, peel off the skin & mash... add whatever you want,,, I like butter & grated parm

LaVitaBella · January 2012

Don't feel badly. I actually think I'm a pretty decent cook when following a recipe, yet I still screw up mashed potatoes.

I learned at Classic Thyme in Westfield that you can boil potatoes and then just take them off the heat without draining them and leave them in water until you are ready for however long you need.

I also think its important to salt the water, unless you don't typically add salt to your food. The one time mine were really bland was because I didn't do that. I also prefer whole milk or half and half. Some people use sour cream, which is delicious.

wed2506 · January 2012

erosa:
lazy mans recipe: pop in the microwave, press "potato"... when done, peel off the skin & mash... add whatever you want,,, I like butter & grated parm

OMG...I need to try this! LMAO!!!

MZANS · January 2012

LOL erosa

Vero&Al · January 2012

Don't over cook the potatoes! It's important to cut the pieces about the same size so it will cook evenly. After draining the potatoes I pour milk, butter and whatever seasonings you like into the same pot to warm them up before adding the potatoes back in to mash. And I like to mash them a bit by hand and then switch to a hand mixer for creamy potatoes.

Im going to email you the recipe I used for thanksgiving. It's not diet but oh so good!

erosa · January 2012

wed2506:

erosa:
lazy mans recipe: pop in the microwave, press "potato"... when done, peel off the skin & mash... add whatever you want,,, I like butter & grated parm

OMG...I need to try this! LMAO!!!

Ok... I also make it the traditional way and take the time to boil them etc... but you ever had one of those nights where you're just in the mood for something but don't want to go through all the hassle?!?!? Well... these are perfect for those nights! LOL Honestly, with all the right add-ons, I can't even tell the difference ;-)