Prepare your spuds. Just wash good and cut in bite-size pieces. Place in a microwavable bowl, one that you will be serving in, and add the water and cover with plastic wrap.

Cook on high for 3-5 minutes, remove plastic wrap and stir. Put the saran wrap back on and cook another 2-3 minutes until the spuds are soft.

Now, the spuds are done. What do you with them is up to you. Butter is a must to me but you can go lighter if you want. Add some liquid the 1/2 cup -- either broth, cream, milk, and of course salt and pepper. Then use a fork or potato masher to smash them up.

Now they are done -- NOW WHAT? -- Sour Cream? Bacon? Cheese? Scallions? Herbs? Onion? Anything you want.

After adding all your flavors, you can return to the microwave covered in the plastic wrap for just 1 minute until heated and serve. But many times the potatoes are hot enough and any extras will heat up with any additional cooking time.