Okay, most of your moms would never serve instant mashed potatoes, but someone must cook them because there are so many different brands and flavors in the grocery store!  We re-discovered instant mashed potatoes when our oldest daughter had her wisdom teeth extracted over her winter break from college.  The surgeon recommended soft foods, both warm and cool for 4-5 days.  The mashed potatoes were easy to prepare without even cooking – just add boiling water, stir and wait 3 minutes.

• 4 oz package (costs about $1.25 in 2012) instant mashed potatoes, any flavor
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 Tablespoon butter or oleo (optional)

Boil the water,  measure out 2 cups and pour boiling water into a small mixing bowl.  Shake the potato flakes over the hot water and stir gently with a fork to combine.  The potato flakes will absorb the water as you stir.  Add the butter if you want a more buttery taste, allow to sit 3 minutes and serve.

Makes 2 servings per 4 oz package.