Subj : Smashed Teters 101 To : All From : Dave Drum Date : Fri Sep 29 2023 05:52:02 How to Make Instant Mashed Potatoes Taste Better (cribbed from Taste of Home) by Lesley Balla Instant mashed potatoes are easy and convenient. You don't need any special tools, and there's no peeling potatoes! But they don't have to taste like they came from a box if you follow these methods for making instant mashed potatoes better. CHOOSE A QUALITY BRAND: The first thing you’ll want to do before trying to upgrade your instant mashed potatoes is making sure you’ve chosen a quality brand to work with. This can differ depending on your taste preferences or opinions, so choose the one that calls your name (my mind jumps to Idahoan). Having a quality base will make it easier to enhance the flavors.Instant mashed potatoes are easy and convenient. You don't need any special tools, and there's no peeling potatoes! But they don't have to taste like they came from a box if you follow these methods for making instant mashed potatoes better. LOAD UP ON THE TOPPINGS: Make a loaded baked potato in mashed potato form! Try adding toppings such as crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream and more for a supreme side dish. (Bacon pieces/crumbles or a sprinkle of yellow cheese sure helps "tart up" your cheater potatoes - UDD) ADD A CAN OF POTATOES: If your favorite part of homemade mashed potatoes is getting those little chunks of potato bits, then fret not! You can make a lumpy instant mashed potato version by using a can of whole potatoes. All you have to do is heat the whole potatoes up, mash them until they’re to your preference of lumpiness, and then add them into your instant potato mix. Make sure the two forms of potatoes are mixed well before serving. (My personal jury is still out on this one. And mqy never get on board with it - UDD) STIR IN FROZEN VEGETABLES: Combine two essential dinner sides into one. Grab a bag of frozen vegetables (they’re likely already in your freezer), heat them up and mix them into your mashed potatoes. This combination just might even convince the kids to give it a try. (Nix on this! Veggies are a side dish and should be kept on the side. Let your guests mix them onn their plate. - UDD) Got another extra bag of frozen vegetables lying around? Try using them to make canned soup taste better. (Now, this does work - but it's off- topic) USE GOOD BUTTER: The easiest way to make instant mashed potatoes better is to top them with some good fat. Butter, of course, is the first choice for mashed potatoes. Just make sure to choose one of the best butter brands. (You can’t go wrong with a rich Irish butter). You can also drizzle a few splashes of extra-virgin olive oil on the potatoes if you don’t want to go the butter route. (Under NO circumstances put oleo - margarine in your mash - real or boxed - UDD) MIX IN A HANDFUL OF HERBS: Fresh or dried herbs give instant mashed potatoes a flavor boost. Reach for chives if you want to add a slightly oniony taste, or try parsley for freshness. Dill, thyme or herbs de Provence all work, too. You could even make a homemade herb butter to dollop on the potatoes before serving, or simply sprinkle on something like chopped tarragon or rosemary, which looks great and adds a nice herby layer. (Suit *YOUR* taste. Guests can either enjoy or make their own. Or, offer a selection of herbs at tableside. - UDD) SUBSTITUTE BROTH FOR WATER: Potato flakes are generally reconstituted with water, but broth is so much better. Chicken broth won’t make the instant potatoes taste chicken-y, but it will add more oomph. (YES!) ADD HEFT WITH DAIRY: Heavy cream can make instant mashed potatoes taste indulgent. Half and half or even regular milk (whole is better than skim) adds extra creaminess. To give your mashed potatoes a light tanginess, go with buttermilk or sour cream. For packages that call for butter or margarine, try using cream cheese instead for a thicker texture. (ABSOLUTELY! - UDD) To read the whole thing (with pixtures included) click on the Tin Yurl below: https://tinyurl.com/SMASHING-TATERS101 .... Most things can be improved by one of these - chilies, cheese or bacon. ___ MultiMail/Win v0.52 --- Maximus/2 3.01 * Origin: Get your COOKING fix here! - bbs.outpostbbs.net:10323 (1:18/200) .