Country Ranch Smashed Potatoes

3 lbs small red potatoes

1/3 cup water

1 cup sour cream and chive potato topper
from a 12 oz container

2 tbsp ranch dressing and seasoning mix
(from a 1 oz package)

1/3 cup half and half

Spray 5-6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Cut potatoes into halves or quarters

as needed to make similar size pieces. Place potatoes in cooker. Add water; mix well

to coat all pieces.

Cover; cook on Low heat setting 5-6 hours.

Gently mash potatoes with fork or potato masher. Stir in potato topper and dry dressing mix.

Stir in half and half until potatoes are soft consistency. Potatoes can be kept warm

on Low heat setting up to 1 hour; stir occasionally.

For Cheesy Smashed potatoes, fold in 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese after stirring in the

half and half.