don't forget to cook the potatoes after peeling!
I find boiling them in water the best - though there are other methods such as steaming and cooking in the microwave.
So......my "recipe" is:
1) peel the skin off the potatoes
how many depends on the size, say about 2 medium sized per person (you'll work out how many you need for your family after a preparing once)
2)put them in a saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil
3)turn down heat and simmer until potatoes cooked/soft (test with a sharp knife) make sure they don't boil dry and burn....this is a common problem....I can't remember how many times my DP or I have left the saucepan on for too long before we remember to check on the potatoes!!! teeheee
4) drain water
5) mash the potatoes with a "potatoe masher", or else a fork will do just fine
6) add a big dollop of margerine or butter and a slurp of milk - these help to give a more creamy texture to the mash. Add a little to start with to work out how much you need - avoid too much liquid
you can even use cream instead of milk for an even creamier and richer mash!
add salt and pepper to taste if you like, and my granny liked to add chopped parsley also
7) serve, with perhaps a sprinkle of grated cheese...yummy
My family loves fresh mashed potatoes, in fact here in Australia it's the only way to make them!
I notice that we spell with an 'e' on the end, and you all in the USA don't! Funny how so many English words are spelt differently btwn our countries!
Enjoy!