How to Make Mashed Potatoes in Microwave

This is not an instant potato recipe but takes less than half the time traditional mashed potatoes take. It is easy and fast, yet taste as good as the "old fashion" way.
With this method it is easier to leave the skin on the potatoes and mash it all together, but if you prefer your potatoes with no skin, you can peel it off before mashing them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 to 6 medium potatoes
• milk
• butter
• salt & pepper
• large bowl
• plate
• fork
• knife
• microwave

1. Pick out 2 to 6 medium potatoes and clean them. With a fork, puncture the potatoes 3 or 4 times on each side and place them on a microwave safe plate.

2. Microwave potatoes for 5 minutes and then turn them over. If you are cooking only a couple, they may take only 2 to 3 more minutes, but larger potatoes or more than 3 potatoes will cook at least 5 more minutes. Different microwaves will also cause the times to vary.

3. Test the potatoes with a fork to see if they are done. They make cook at different times, depending on their size, so take them out when they are fully cooked. A potato is done when the fork sinks into it easily when stabbed. You can also cut the potato in half and if the middle is still hard then push the potato back together and cook longer. Cook the potatoes by intervals of 1 to 2 minutes until they are done. Turn them each time you check them.

4. 
   Potatoes cut into pieces.

   To make mashed potatoes with the skin, place one potato in a large mixing bowl. With a knife, cut the potato in 4 to 6 pieces and then mash it. Continue this process until all of the potatoes are mashed. You can do this one at a time as the potatoes cook or wait to cut and mash them all together.
   *If you do not wish to have skin with your potatoes, peel it off before mashing them.

5. Add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix. If you like your mashed potatoes creamer, add more milk until you get the consistence you desire. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. For loaded potatoes, add cheese, bacon, chives and sour cream or any other toppings you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• Add ingredients until you think it is the perfect mashed potatoes. You will be the one eating them, after all.
• You can always add more, but it is hard to take something out. If you are not sure, add a little at a time.
• Do not overcook the potatoes. If the skin on the potato starts to shrivel up, it has cooked to long and the potato will be dry.
• The potatoes will be hot when they come out of the microwave.
• When you begin mashing the potatoes, beware of the steam they will release.

[xrayness]

on 7/9/2009 Thank you for sharing this article about cooking mashed potatoes in the microwave. I enjoyed reading this article. With the $239.08 I earned last month on eHow, I can surely afford to make this recipe.