Homemade "instant" Mashed Potatoes

A QUICK, EASY, INEXPENSIVE, AND HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE TO INSTANT MASHED POTATOES This is based on Schwan's packaged "Creamy Mashed Potatoes". It is frozen "cubes" of mashed potatoes, and you can use as little or as much as you need right out of the freezer. The Schwan's version is very convenient, but can be expensive, and contains a lot of unnecessary chemicals, preservatives, and fillers. You can use any mashed potato recipe you want, but I recommend using a little extra liquid (cream, sour cream, etc.) because you don't want the potatoes to dry out when you reheat them after they have been frozen. Once again, (for the "Chef" who gave this two stars without bothering to leave any comments) YOU CAN USE ANY MASHED POTATO RECIPE YOU WANT. I posted this recipe for the freezer "technique". If you are busy working during the week and don't have the pleasure of being a stay at home mom or a restaurant chef, then you may enjoy being able to pull a batch of "fresh" mashed potatoes out of your freezer and heat them up in a matter of minutes when you are tired at the end of a long day.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 1-10
• Yields: 96 cubes

Ingredients

• 4  lbs potatoes, pealed and diced
• 1⁄2 cup milk or 1⁄2 cup  cream
• 1⁄2 cup sour cream
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1⁄2 cup margarine
• 1  teaspoon salt
•  pepper

Directions

1. Boil potatoes until tender. Drain water and return potatoes to pan. Add all ingredients and mash with a potato masher. (Do not over-mash, or the potatoes will become rubbery and starchy).
2. Spray 4 to 6 ice cube trays with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon mashed potatoes into each cube mold, then pat down with finger.
3. Cover each tray with a sheet of plastic wrap, using fingers to press the wrap firmly onto the surface of the potatoes. This will prevent the potatoes from drying out in the freezer. Add another layer of plastic wrap over the entire tray and wrap tightly.
4. Freeze the trays overnight. When the potatoes are frozen through, pop them out of the molds and into a freezer zipper bag, and store them in the freezer until you are ready to cook.
5. Microwave Reheating: Take out as many cubes as you need. Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Add about a tablespoon of water and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat on 50% power for 5-6 minutes. Stir. Heat again (if necessary) for 2 more minutes.
6. Stovetop Reheating: Take out as many cubes as you need. Place in a boiler with 1/4 to 1/2 cup water. Heat on medium-low for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and smooth.