Here are some troubleshooting tips for common mashed potato problems:

• Lumpy mashed potatoes can be avoided by fully cooking the potatoes, so they mash very easily with a potato masher or stiff wire whip.

• Leaving the potatoes in their cooking water after they're done may result in watery, washed-out tasting mashed potatoes. Most chefs drain them well after cooking, put them back in the pot, and place the pot over a low burner to cause excess water to steam off.

• Too much mashing, or using the wrong (i.e., very starchy, like an Idaho russet) type of potato can result in gummy, gluey consistency.