Let me confess right now: Yes, I love to cook and bake, but I HAVE to follow a recipe. Have to. On a rare occasion I'll "doctor" the recipe here or there, but for the most part, I need serious guidance in the kitchen.
Growing up, we always ate instant mashed potatoes, so it's been shocking for me to discover that a good number of people haven't; being accustomed to the real thing, they sort of turn their noses up at good ole instant. Well, because of this attitude, I thought, "Hey, I could try making REAL mashed potatoes. How hard could it be?" Plus, when my in-laws were here, Mel showed me how to cook the potatoes in preparation for mashing them (well, in preparation for blending them for Leah).
So, this past weekend, I was feeling adventurous; "I'll make REAL mashed potatoes. It can't be that hard," I thought. Plus we had extra potatoes that I wanted to use before they went bad. All started well; I prepped and cooked them just as Mel had shown me. But that's where her guidance ended. See, when she was here, we didn't make mashed potatoes; we made BLENDED potatoes so that I could freeze 'em for Leah. See where I'm going with this?
Anyway, I already had the blender out, so I just added the potatoes. Yes, I could have mashed them by hand, but I figured the blender would be so much easier. Plus, they'd be smoother and creamier. Or so I had thought. On goes the blender. In goes some milk (just a little... after all, doesn't everyone add milk?), butter, salt, and pepper. Hmmmm, this doesn't look right. Wait! This looks just like Leah's potatoes! Well, maybe it won't be SOOOO bad. After all, I added the right ingredients.
Pouring (yes, pouring, like a liquid) the potatoes into a serving bowl, I couldn't help but notice its soup-like consistency. Hmmm, that can't be good. But maybe they'll still taste good. After all, looks can be deceiving.
I dished (more like ladled) some onto my plate where it promptly pooled to one side. Scott just sat across from me, daring me to try my concoction. In goes the fork (not much stuck to it, though). Opening up my mouth, I take a bite. Ugh. Definitely nowhere NEAR mashed potato goodness.
Needless to say, the bowl of potato soup just sat on the table while we ate dinner; and Scott had quite a few laughs at my expense. Oh well. At least I know better for next time: Instant it is.
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3 comments:
Don't give up just yet Colwell! They are easy but just like anything else require some practice. Next time you make the attempt or even think about it, call me and I'll talk you through it. Or better yet, come over one day and we'll make some for you take home for dinner! It's worth it as they're so much better then instant - blech!
I was just about to say "don't give up" but Alison beat me to it...just go to allrecipes.com and follow a recipe since that is what you are comfortable with and you'll be successful!
Welcome to my world! After 25 years of marriage I am still the only lady in my peer group who seems to have never mastered "the mash". I, unfortunately, quit trying after one harrowing attempt which resulted in a doughy glue glump the size of a bowling ball. I would encourage you to give it another go, especially with such a support group of "mashers". If you give up now you will become like me...the only lady anyone knows who uses instant, on the positive side, my friends usually just have me just bring sodas and rolls to our holiday meals.
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