Instant potatoes get fancy!  No harm in a little help making good food.  You really can liven up instant mashed potatoes and make them taste a whole lot better without spending any extra time.

Ingredients:

• 2 c instant mashed potato flakes
• 2 c water
• 2 Tbs butter
• ½ – 1 tsp garlic powder (to taste)
• ¾ c heavy cream (you can also use milk)
• ⅓ c shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 Tbs chopped fresh chives

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the water, garlic powder and butter just until boiling.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the milk.
3.  Add the potato flakes, Parmesan cheese and chives.
4. Gently stir and fluff with a fork to remove any lumps.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Serves:  6

Source:  Recipe by Moms Need To Know

Quick and easy tips that make the potatoes taste more “real”. 

Replace the water: Try chicken broth, milk, half and half, or dilute evaporated milk.

Make it thicker:  The easiest way to thickent the potatoesis to  add more potatoes – ie. a can of diced potatoes, leftover baked potatoes (scoop out the pulp), or even more potato flakes.  Mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese or plane yogurt will thicken the potatoes while providing a rich, tangy flavor. If you decide to add any of these, start with a little less water than called for on the box.

Stir in some flavor:  Minced garlic or garlic powder enhances potatoes, especially when followed by a healthy sprinkling of shredded cheese.  Bottled ranch dressing or dry ranch dressing mix offers a zesty kick. Other favorites are dill, chives and crumbled bacon. If all else fails, top them with lots of butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper and drench them with gravy.