mashed potatoes

My mother always made real potatoes, that's what my father wanted, that's what he got.  I never tasted instant potatoes or potato buds until recently.  Wow!  They're fast, but I can't help feeling like I'm cheating the family out of real potatoes.  Then, I tried this recipe suggestion and I call it a "flavored" side dish now and it's super easy.

Happy Halloween!  This is a slow cooker recipe, so it probably won't work for a hearty meal before your kids head out trick or treating today, however, it's so delicious....you HAVE to try this easy recipe!  You could just have a mound of mashed potatoes in the center of your stew if you don't need a theme.