Wash the potatoes thoroughly
Peel the potatoes if desired
Cut off any bad spots or eyes
Slice, dice, or leave whole as needed
Boil in salted water until tender
Drain well
Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper if making mashed potatoes
Roast with oil and seasonings if making roasted potatoes
Fry in oil if making fried potatoes
Bake in the oven until soft if making baked potatoes
Serve hot