Cheesy Green Potatoes

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: Varies, according to brand used
Servings: 4 servings

Okay, this is the epitome of shortcut cooking – the use of potato flakes. I know, hold everything...Now while we don’t care much for them as plain potatoes, adding a few extra ingredients results in a pretty darn good side. (And sneaks in spinach for unsuspecting young ones!)

Mix a batch of potato flakes as directed, to end up with four servings. Except no salt, instead stir in a teaspoon of chicken (or vegetable)base concentrate. Or if you have chicken or vegetable broth on hand, use that instead of water in the potato mix. And also, use slightly less liquid than called for – adding fresh spinach later brings in extra moisture.

When potatoes are ready, stir in:
2 tsp. freshly-ground pepper
4 c. roughly-chopped fresh baby spinach,
4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
Stir together, no need to actually cook the spinach, the hot potatoes will wilt it sufficiently. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top to serve.