Basic Mashed Potatoes for One by Rhonda Lauret Parkinson

1 large potato

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1½ teaspoons milk, or as needed

Salt and pepper, to taste

Wash and peel the potato, and cut into quarters. Fill a medium-sized saucepan with enough salted water to cover the potato and bring to a boil.
Cook the potato in the boiling water until tender and easily pierced with a fork (about 5 minutes). Drain.
Place the potato in a bowl and add the butter or margarine. Mash using a fork or a potato masher. Add the milk a bit at a time as you are mashing, being sure not to add more than is needed. Mash until the potato is fluffy. Stir in the salt and pepper.

Serves 1

You can spice up this basic recipe by adding paprika, garlic powder, nutmeg, or other seasonings with the salt and pepper.