Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Sometimes it can be difficult to calculate how many potatoes you need to cook in order to serve mashed potatoes to a family or a crowd. With baked potatoes it is easy - usually allow one potato per person, big or small depending on how big of an eater the person is. Homefries are easy too - always make more than you think you need because they will disappear quickly! But mashed potatoes aren't that easy - the one per person method does not always work and it isn't beneficial to make a big pot full, because people don't tend to go back for more and more mashed potatoes. Depending on the potatoes you get as well, mashed potatoes really bring out the good and the bad in the roots. No matter how much gravy you use, you cannot totally save bad potatoes. Leftover mashed potatoes do not reheat well either, and can sit in the fridge for days, looking unappetizing. Luckily, I have developed a few different ways to put leftover mashed potatoes to good use, and transform them into something different entirely!

1. Scalloped Potatoes - When I make scalloped potatoes, I cut a few less potatoes than needed. then when I bring my milk sauce to a boil, I stir in some leftover mashed potatoes and whisk until smooth. this makes a thicker, creamier sauce without adding more fat and gives more texture and potato flavor.
2. Potato Salad - When making potato salad, I whisk some leftover mashed potatoes into the mayonnaise-based dressing, which makes a creamier dressing with less fat.
3. Baked Goods - Unseasoned leftover mashed potatoes can be used for a variety of different baked goods - from breads, to cake, to frostings, to muffins, to fudge. If making bread, be sure to save the boiling water from the mashed potatoes as well - it will add extra flavor and nutrition.
4. Thickening Agent - Mashed potatoes are great for thickening items, in particular soups, chowders, and sauces. Just stir some in and bring to a boil.

Here are some of my examples:

• Scalloped Potatoes {Scalloped}
• Potato Salad {Trifle}
• Potato Fudge {Fudge}
• Chocolate Potato Cookies {Cookies}
• Potato Cake {Cake}
• Potato Bread {Bread}
• Potato Machine Bread {Machine}
• Soup {Soup}