Outside the Box Mashed Taters

I love mashed potatoes!

I usually make them from scratch, but sometimes I just don't have the time or energy to peel, boil and mash them.

Let's be honest -- packaged 'instant' mashed potatoes just don't come close to the real thing when you follow the directions on the box.

That's when this little modification comes in handy.

The key is to amplify the flavor using umami - the fifth taste!

Packaged mashed potatoes

Milk, Water, Butter as per directions

Worcestershire sauce

Grated Parmesan cheese

Any other type of umami flavor you prefer

Umami is a huge flavor booster. It wasn't even known when I was in school. Now it's being used by the top chefs in the world to amplify the flavor of so many diverse foods.

I like to use a bit of Worcestershire sauce and some grated Parmesan cheese. Occasionally I'll improvise with something like Blue Cheese dressing, but this was for my family and the kids don't like the sharp taste of blue cheese.

You can always add more, but you can't take it out.

Try a bit at a time, whisk it in and add more if you like.

I often find that I need to add a bit more milk to make the taters creamy.

When I served these taters to my family recently, I asked for their opinions.

My son said, "Creamy!"

My daughter said, "They're sweet!"

My wife said, "Wow, what did you put in these?!"

I just smiled. She knows I like to experiment with umami. ;)

I hope you enjoy this simple little modification using umami.

Please let me now if you liked it! :)