DIY Mashed Potatoes in the Microwave

 Maybe I have been hiding under a rock, but it never seriously occurred to me to make mashed potatoes in the microwave, or that there are tools available other than the old handy potato masher which requires almost an aerobic workout to mash?

I just tried this way of doing potatoes in the microwave and was seriously impressed.  They are ready within 15 minutes!

You can do these in a bowl with a cover but the best way I have seen yet for uniform cooking is using a resealable bag such as a freezer bag in a single layer.

Check this Out:

3 potatoes, any kind peeled and quartered

1/2 cup of milk or cream (more if you prefer creamier)

Butter (amounts up to you but I used 1/8th of a cup)

Method:

Step 1 - Place your peeled washed and quartered potatoes into the bag in a single layer

don't seal it, leave it open to let steam escape.

Step 2 - Microwave on high for between 9 and 12 minutes (if this is your first time, check on their tenderness half way through and adjust based on your microwave).

Step 3 - At this point you can simply mash with the typical masher or fork or you can use a Potato Ricer (which I didn't even know existed!)  You can check them out below.

If you have a ricer, then you start feeding the potatoes into it and follow instructions, or you can simply use a manual masher.

Step 4 - Add cream/milk and butter

Step 5 - Mash

Step 6 - ENJOY!!

Not sure how well this will tie in with everyone's New Year's Resolutions on dieting etc... but it is nice to know when you are short on time for dinner, there is an option to the oven fries!

NOTE:  I found the bag such as a freezer bag will microwave the potatoes sooner as with a bowl there is the tendency to need stirring part way through to get all the potatoes cooked.  The single layer approach makes a big difference.